Profiles
- Corvette - 1967 Corvette L89 427/435 Coupe
- Corvette - 1962 Corvette 327/360 Big Brake Fuelie
- Corvette - 1972 Corvette LT-1 350/255 Convertible
- Corvette - 1991 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe, 1993 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe; 1995 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe
- Corvette - 2007 Z06 Coupe, 2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter Coupe, 2010 Grand Sport Callaway Convertible
- Corvette - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Racing League Pace Car
Search This Issue
Page -1
16
Bloomington Gold Results | 145 Corvettes Rated
Corvette Market
Supercar
$42k
Keith Martin's
The Insider's Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
Bargain
505 hp Z06
‘62 327/360 Big Brake Fuelie brings $90k
Courtroom: Six-Year Lawsuit Over a $31k Corvette
ZR-1 Corvettes with Low Miles still in $30k Basement
DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE! FEATURING VIDEOS OF SELECT VEHICLES
Page 2
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 4 . Issue 16 . Summer 2011
26 1967 L89 427/435 coupe
28 1972 LT-1 convertible
30 ZR-1s in Portland, OR
Profiles
C1 1962 Corvette 327/360 Big Brake Fuelie—$90,100/
Mecum (VIDEO)
The thought of buying a factory race car for street use is
usually fueled more by testosterone than sanity, but the
1962 Big Brake Corvettes could be the rare exception
24 by Thomas Glatch
C2 1967 Corvette L89 427/435 coupe—$124,020/
26 by Dale Novak
Mecum (VIDEO)
At $124,020, the money for our subject car was light on the
Corvette-O-Meter for an“ordinary” L71 coupe
C3 1972 Corvette LT-1 convertible—$38,500/
28 by Mark Rudnick
Barrett-Jackson (VIDEO)
The 1970–72 LT-1 Corvettes, with their legendary
performance and relatively low production numbers,
are sought after for early C3 styling and small-blockperformance
C4 1991 Corvette ZR-1 coupe—$26,910/Bonhams
1993 Corvette ZR-1 coupe—$26,910/Bonhams
1995 Corvette ZR-1 coupe—$31,590/Bonhams
(VIDEO)
For the price of a 2012 Camaro, you could own a great
piece of Corvette high-performance heritage that can
go 180 mph in 5th gear
30 by Michael Pierce
C5 2000 Corvette Indy Racing League Pace Car—
32 by B. Mitchell Carlson
C6 2007 Z06 coupe—$42,400/Mecum
34 by B. Mitchell Carlson
On the Cover: 2007 Corvette Z06 coupe. Photo by Mecum Auctions
4 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
$32,175 at Auctions America by RM (VIDEO)
This car was used to pace the 2001 Rolex 24 Hours of
Daytona, but putting it on a local road may be difficult
2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter coupe—$74,200/Mecum
2010 Grand Sport Callaway convertible—$84,800/
Mecum (VIDEO)
The Z06 is $83.96 per unit of horsepower, the ZR1 checks
in at $104.50, and the Callaway is a spendy $139.93 per
unit of horsepower
Page 3
Market Reports
38 Mecum Auctions, St. Charles, IL
The biggest all-Corvette auction of the year sells 119 Corvettes
for nearly $6m
by B. Mitchell Carlson and Dan Grunwald
56 Mecum Auctions, Indianapolis, IN
Mecum's massive Spring Classic sale moves 1,200 cars across
the block, including 162 Corvettes
by B. Mitchell Carlson
64 Barrett-Jackson, Orange County, CA
The second Orange County event sees 23 of 24 Corvettes
sold for $1m
by Carl Bomstead
70 Global Roundup
35 Corvettes from seven auctions total $1m
by CM Market Analysts
Feature
16 Bloomington Gold
A Survivor Car is a time machine that takes judges back to
the assembly line on the day it was born
by CM Staff
18 Bloomington Gold: 2011's Sights caught on CM's camera
by CM Staff
20 The Great Hall
Ten great Corvettes and 10 great people welcomed
to the Great Hall in 2011
by CM Staff
12 Late Summer Event Guide—Corvette Funfest
Digital Bonus
CM
Additional Seat Time contributions, videos and images are
available on this issue's Digital Edition, included with every
print subscription. To sign up for your Digital Issue, go to
www.corvettemarket.com/digital or call 503.261.2555 ext. 1
Departments
6 Publisher's Note
8 Insider's View: Which C6 Corvette is the best buy: A 2007 Z06
coupe at $42,400, a 2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter coupe for $74,200
or a 2010 Grand Sport Callaway for $84,800?
10 Courtroom Corvettes: This Hawaii lawsuit over a Corvette sale
was a volcano that spewed hot tempers and hot litigants
down the cliffs of justice for six years
12 Events: Things to do and places to be with your Corvette
14 Auction Calendar
36 Market Overview
86 By The Numbers: Top Corvettes sold since February 2011
88 Price Guide: Current Corvette pricing
92 Trick Stuff: Vintage-look radio, high-tech ramps, sturdy new
jack stand
94 In Miniature: Danbury Mint's 1996 Corvette Grand Sport in
1:24 scale
94 Speaking Volumes: Weekend Projects for Your Classic
Corvette: 1953–1982 and Weekend Projects for Your Modern
Corvette: C4–C5–C6
96 Resource Directory: Meet your Corvette's needs
98 Vette-o-bilia: Corvette models, a Zippo lighter and a
casino chip
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 5
Page 4
Publisher's
Note
By Keith Martin
Summer of Fun
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 4 . Issue 16 . Summer 2011
Publisher Keith Martin
Operations Manager Ryan Brinkley
Executive Editor Chester Allen
Art Director Jeff Stites
Managing Editor Jim Pickering
Auction Editor Tony Piff
Data Analyst Chad Tyson
Copy Editors Yael Abel
Bill Neill
Auction Analysts B. Mitchell Carlson
Tom Glatch
Daniel Grunwald
John Clucas
Chip Lamb
Norm Mort
Dale Novak
Phil Skinner
Contributors Carl Bomstead
Marshall Buck
Colin Comer
John Draneas
Michael Pierce
John L. Stein
Information Technology/
Internet Bryan Wolfe
Lead Web Developer Marc Emerson
Financial Manager Nikki Nalum
Print Media Buyer Wendie Martin
Director CM Television Roger Williams
ADVERTISING SALES
Advertising Executive Tom Mann
tom.mann@corvettemarket.com
877.219.2605 x 211
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Corvettes at Concorso
last event?”
We always have a great time seeing old friends and meeting new ones at Bloomington
I
Gold. The one thing that all car fanatics have in common is passion, and there's no shortage of
that at Pheasant Run, where Bloomington Gold is held.
I had the pleasure of introducing and interviewing the inductees to this year's Great Hall,
and you'll find information about the ceremony on p. 20. Between the five Corvette guys,
there was easily more than 200 years of cumulative Corvette experience, and they all had
terrific stories to tell.
We're gearing up for Monterey now, and we hope to see you at Corvettes at Concorso,
the only Corvette-only corral of the weekend—and positioned at Concorso Italiano. Being
surrounded by Ferraris is not a bad thing, especially when your 505-horsepower Z06 set you
back $42,000 (see this month's cover story) and the 400-horsepower in that other guy's used
Modena 360 cost $85,000.
Provenance and Price
As we watch Corvettes cross the auction block, what continues to stand out is the value
of paperwork. With so many hundreds of thousands of Corvettes produced, the market is
always looking for a reason to value one higher or lower than another. When it comes to cars
with rare options, such as the 1967 L89 featured on page 26, not having the proper historical
documentation can easily reduce the market value by 50%—or more.
So when you go shopping, follow Ronald Reagan's mantra of: “Trust but verify.” If you're
spending serious money on a car because it supposedly has rare options, don't be afraid to
spend a little more up-front money on an expert inspection. It's far better to walk away from
a suspect than to find out you didn't get the car you paid for—after it arrives in your garage.
Enjoy the summer, and we look forward to seeing you in Monterey. ■
6 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
n January, we wonder if we'll ever see the sun again. By April, we've started tuning and
cleaning. By August, Corvette Summer is in full tilt.
The two components to Corvette Market are really value and pleasure. “What's my
Corvette worth?” is one question we hear often and the other is, “Did you have fun at your
Subscriptions Manager Kyle McBride
Subscriptions Coordinator Rich Coparanis
Subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 1
9 am to 5 pm, M–F
service@corvettemarket.com
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JOIN US
Corvette Market magazine (ISSN# 1939-6481) is published
quarterly by Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th
Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Corvette Market, PO Box 4797, Portland,
OR 97208. The information in Corvette Market magazine is
compiled from a variety of reliable sources. However, we
disclaim and deny any responsibility or liability for the timeliness,
use, interpretation, accuracy, and completeness of
the information presented. All material, data, formats, and
intellectual concepts in this issue © 2011 by Keith Martin's
Corvette Market, LLC, Automotive Investor Media Group,
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by Corvette Market magazine. Copyright registered with
the United States copyright office.
PRINTED IN USA
Page 6
Insider's
View
The current state of the Corvette Market
Which C6 Corvette Would You Buy?
Is this a choice between a good buy on a fun driver—or forking over the big
bucks for a fire-breathing, state-of-the-art supercar?
T
he CM question: Corvette Market is profiling these three C6 Corvettes in this issue:
• A 2007 Z06 coupe, Lot S53 at Mecum St. Charles, where it sold for $42,400.
• A 2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter coupe, Lot S166 at Mecum Indianapolis, where it sold for $74,200.
• A 2010 Grand Sport Callaway convertible, Lot S120 at Mecum St. Charles, where it sold for $84,800.
Which of these Corvettes would you buy and why?
CM readers say...
percharger has positive pressure,
nothing sounds better.
Mark Rudnick, via email:
I would purchase the 2007
Triple Black Z06. First of all,
I prefer my Corvettes stock. A
Triple Black 2007 Z06 Corvette,
fully optioned, is to my way of
thinking, an elegant ride, with
more power than can be enjoyed
in even the most “spirited legal
driving” situations. At $42,400,
the car is being purchased
at $10,500 below the low of
$52,900 offered in Corvette
Market's Buy-Sell Price Range
for a 2007 Z06, with the high
being $56,700.
The car sounds like the ideal
type of pre-owned Corvette to
buy, as it is coming from the
original owner, with all the
original purchase documents,
manuals and maintenance
records—and brand-new rubber
on the wheels.
This Corvette, if maintained,
2007 Z06 coupe
Michael Marks, Homestead,
FL: I wouldn't buy any of those
C6s, as GM built them for little
people. I'm 6'5” and don't fit in
a C6. I fit in my C3 comfortably,
and I fit in C5s and C2s comfortably.
C4s are tight, and C1s are
tight due to the steering wheel,
but C6s are totally are out of the
question.
Tony Boschetti, via email:
I would choose the 2007 Z06. A
lot of performance for the money
spent relative to the other cars.
Assuming all of the cars are in
great shape.
Bill Lacy, via email: The
ZR1 because it will probably be
the last super V8 Corvette.
Michael Harbin, Lake
Tapps, WA: For the money,
a current model ZR1 is the
best-performing car in the
world—and at $74k it's an even
better bargain. BIG POWER
+ BIG BRAKES + GREAT
HANDLING = BIG FUN and
BIG SMILES, knowing that
I didn't need to rob a bank
to become the owner of this
FUNMOBILE!
Alan Andrea, via email:
I'd buy the 2009 ZR1. Limited
production, huge power, amazing
bang for the buck, and it probably
will be remembered like the
‘67 427/435 cars in the long run,
due to tightening fuel economy
and emissions standards. Rumor
has it that GM is considering a 6
cylinder Corvette....
Stephen Light, via email:
I've had all three, and the ZR1
is by far the best of the breed. It
rides well, performs better than
the others, and is still frugal to
operate. Besides, when the su-
can be thoroughly enjoyed for
years to come, will retain its
value, and over time, appreciate.
Matt Turner, via email:
Without knowing mileage or
condition, it's tough, but assuming
they were all three the same,
I would have to go with the ZR1!
To me, of the three, it looks like
it represented the best value.
But that's hard to say with not
knowing the exact options on the
Callaway. I have had a 2007 Z06
and a 2008 Callaway convertible
but never a ZR1. In fact, I have
never even driven one.
So, for me, it's the ZR1 all
the way!
Walter Koroluk, via email:
I would be interested in purchasing
the Callaway if it has less
8 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 7
than 5,000 miles and comes from
an area where it is only driven
a few months, as it would be
an upgrade from our 2008 C6
convertible with the Z51 package.
I believe it is a good deal to
purchase used Corvettes, with
less than 5,000 miles, and from
northern locations where the car
is only driven for a few months
of the year. Most southern cars,
especially Florida Corvettes, are
driven year-round and will most
likely have high mileage.
Victor Dominelli, San
Diego, CA: Clearly, for longterm
considerations, the 2009
ZR1 coupe would be the “must
have” acquisition. This car could
very well mark the end of an
era where big displacement and
high horsepower went hand in
hand. Then again, weren't the
Rolling Stones also supposed to
retire at some point? No doubt
that Corvette will keep on rocking,
but unlike Mick and Keith,
the packaging will most likely
2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter coupe
mature and evolve for its next
generation.
Tom Blount, Jacksonville,
FL: Depends on mileage and
colors, but my current 2007 Z06
is hands-down the best all-around
car I have ever had, and I've had
a bunch. $42k is a bargain. On
the other hand, again depending
on mileage and color, the ZR1
at that price could be a real
deal! Best ZR1 colors are gray
2010 Grand Sport Callaway convertible
n 5,000 miles and comes from
an area where it is only driven
a few months, as it would be
an upgrade from our 2008 C6
convertible with the Z51 pack-
age. I believe it is a good deal to
purchase used Corvettes, with
less than 5,000 miles, and from
northern locations where the car
is only driven for a few months
of the year. Most southern cars,
especially Florida Corvettes, are
driven year-round and will most
likely have high mileage.
Victor Dominelli, San
Diego, CA: Clearly, for long-
term considerations, the 2009
ZR1 coupe would be the “must
have” acquisition. This car could
very well mark the end of an
era where big displacement and
high horsepower went hand in
hand. Then again, weren't the
Rolling Stones also supposed to
retire at some point? No doubt
that Corvette will keep on rock-
ing, but unlike Mick and Keith,
the packaging will most likely
2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter coupe
mature and evolve for its next
generation.
Tom Blount, Jacksonville,
FL: Depends on mileage and
colors, but my current 2007 Z06
is hands-down the best all-around
car I have ever had, and I've had
a bunch. $42k is a bargain. On
the other hand, again depending
on mileage and color, the ZR1
at that price could be a real
deal! Best ZR1 colors are gray
2010 Grand Sport Callaway convertible
and
and black, the others look like a
clown car.
Allen Gentry, via email:
The 2007 Z06 coupe. The choice,
for me, is to have this car to use
and enjoy. My 60,000-mile 1972
coupe spends too much time in
the garage. This is my fault, but
I worry when it is out in the real
world, and I hate to put the miles
on her. This Z06 could be a fantastic
daily driver and trip ride. ■
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 9
Page 8
Courtroom
Corvettes
The legal side of the hobby. By Bruce Shaw, Esq.
A Six–Year Court Battle over a $31k Corvette
This case was a legal volcano that spewed filings, motions, arguments and
appeals—all to the detriment of the parties involved
Is a 1990 Corvette worth six years of legal battles and lawyer's fees?
and hot litigants down the cliffs of justice for six years—and ended with the litigants
finally cooling off and paying their hefty legal fees.
Davis vs. Wholesale Motors et al—was a legal volcano that produced filings, mo-
W
most.
The lava begins to bubble
However, during the next few days, Wholesale Motors learned that Davis already
owed money on the Grand Prix. He had misstated on his credit application that he
had no liens on the car. In reality—on the very same day that Davis had traded in the
Grand Prix—he had earlier given the title to the Grand Prix to another loan company
for security for another loan! In addition, Davis' check to Wholesale Motors for the
$5,000 down payment bounced.
To add to Wholesale Motors' troubles, both General Motors Acceptance
Corporation and Mazda American Credit refused financing the Corvette for Davis
10 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
tions, arguments and appeals—all to the detriment of the parties involved.
In February 1992, Tom Davis went to Wholesale Motors in Honolulu to negotiate
the purchase of a 1990 Corvette. Davis wanted to trade in this 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix
as part of the deal. The salesman stated the Corvette list price as $31,995, and that the
1989 Pontiac Grand Prix had a trade-in value of $6,000.
Later that day, Davis gave Wholesale Motors a check for $5,000 and traded in his
Grand Prix under the terms of an agreement of sale. He also entered into a credit sale
contract for the balance.
So far so good. Davis got a Corvette and Wholesale Motors had made a sale—al-
hen I think of Hawaii, l think of volcanoes with huge streams of lava flowing
down the countryside destroying everything—and then it all ends up in a
steam cloud as the lava cools in the ocean.
This Hawaiian lawsuit over a damaged Corvette spewed hot tempers
because of his insufficient income.
Wholesale Motors contacted Davis and demanded
return of the Corvette. Davis complied, but only after
“road testing” the Corvette for 10 days. Davis returned
the car to Wholesale Motors with an extra 1,200 miles
on the odometer and in a condition that made it seem
as though the Corvette had been used as an off-road
vehicle. The frame was packed with red mud and one of
the Corvette's aluminum mag rims was bent.
Due to the damaged condition of the returned
Corvette and the lost sale, Wholesale refused to give
Davis back his Grand Prix—as they were claiming liquidated
damages for his misrepresentations.
The volcano erupts!
In April 1992, Davis filed a lawsuit against Wholesale
for keeping his Grand Prix, breach of contract and consumer
fraud. He claimed that Wholesale had overstated
the sales price of the Corvette and understated the tradein
value of his Grand Prix. In his complaint, Davis sued
for general damages, triple damages, punitive damages,
attorney fees, court costs and an injunction to stop
Wholesale from any future unfair and deceptive trade
practices. Never mind that Davis wrote the bad check
and traded in a car with an encumbered title.
In retaliation, Wholesale immediately filed a counterclaim
lawsuit against Davis for fraud, breach of
Page 9
contract, negligence, and malicious conduct. Wholesale
sued for general damages, special damages, liquidated
damages, and punitive damages, attorney fees and
costs—and a court order permitting them to retain the
Grand Prix.
In June 1992, Davis filed a motion asking the court
to rule against Wholesale. Wholesale, likewise filed a
motion with the court to rule against Davis.
In August 1992, the Court denied Davis' motion.
Davis then immediately filed another motion for reconsideration
of the motion that the Court had just denied.
For some reason the Court found for Davis this second
time.
After the Court found for Davis, then Wholesale im-
mediately filed a motion with the Court to deny Davis.
Then Davis filed another motion with the Court to
amend his complaint, as he now had new information.
Wholesale promptly filed a motion to oppose the Davis
motion.
Dizzy yet? We haven't even started talking about the
money.
Money-burning motions
Now, attorney fees are no small factor here. To draft,
research and present a motion would be a minimum of
five hours at about $350 per hour. To argue the motion
in open court would be another 3 hours. Added together,
the bill for just one of the many motions referred to
above would be at least $2,800. That is about 50% of
what the Grand Prix was worth in the first place. In this
case, there were multiple motions and multiple hearings.
Who really wins? The attorneys, of course.
In the end—after months and months of litigation—the Court ruled that both
parties were trying to cheat each other. The Court found that both parties had made
material misrepresentations to the other party. The Court held that both parties had
rendered their own contract null and void.
The Court then applied a “Contract in Law” (the court's own contract) and awarded
Davis the fair market value of the Grand Prix—less the damages that he had caused to
Wholesale Motors' Corvette. Wholesale was awarded the amount of damages to the
Corvette and had to pay Davis the fair market value of the Grand Prix. The Court also
held that both parties were liable for their own court costs and attorney fees.
Had enough yet? These two parties hadn't.
Both parties appealed the decision of the Court and filed a myriad of issues relative
to disqualification of each other's expert witness for the fair market value of the Grand
Prix and disqualification of attorneys for conflicts of interest. The case was finally
resolved in 1998.
The end result was almost the same as what could have been settled by the parties
in the beginning—without the need to sue each other:
• Wholesale Motors had to give the Grand Prix back to Davis.
• Davis had to pay Wholesale Motors for the Corvette damage.
So what is to be learned here?
First, “Don't let ego make you broke.” Don't start a lawsuit and waste thousands of
dollars just to vindicate yourself. Don't start a lawsuit when you yourself have skeletons
in your own closet.
Finally, the adage “May the best man win” does not necessarily apply in litiga-
tion. ■
BRUCE SHAW, ESQ. is an attorney specializing in collector car fraud. He is a former
Bloomington Gold instructor, and an NCRS national judge. His comments are general
in nature and are not intended to substitute for consultation with an attorney.
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 11
Page 10
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
Arizona
September 12–16, 2011
Performance Auto Tour to Grand Canyon,
Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks,
Flagstaff
This all-Corvette tour leaves Flagstaff for
four days of fun driving through some of
the western United States' most beautiful
landscapes. The tour also includes four
nights in deluxe hotels, a boat tour of Lake
Powell, a sunset dinner at Lake Powell, a
dinner in Zion National Park and, of course,
drives in three national parks. The tour covers
500 miles on scenic roads, and there are
no freeways or interstate highways. The tour
ends in Springdale, UT. $998 per person,
based on double occupancy. www.bloomingtongoldtours.com.
October 10–14, 2011
Vintage 500 Tour of Grand Canyon
National Park, Flagstaff
This tour is open to all cars built in 1973 or
before, but this tour is really for the owners
of Bloomington Gold Corvettes who want to
get their cars TourCertified. That said, your
Corvette doesn't need to be a Bloomington
Gold winner to participate in the tour. This
trip to Grand Canyon National Park and
Sedona, AZ, includes four days of guided
touring and four nights deluxe lodging,
which includes four hot breakfasts, two
lunches and two dinners. $998 per person,
based on double occupancy. www.bloomingtongoldtours.com.
California
August 19, 2011
Corvettes at Concorso, Monterey
Bring your Corvette to Monterey Car Week
and park it on the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch
fairway at Concorso Italiano as part of
Corvettes at Concorso. Corvette Market,
along with Barrett-Jackson, will host the
third annual event. Corvettes will have their
own corral, along with a complimentary
hospitality tent and awards presented by
CM's own Michael Pierce. Award includes
“People's Choice,” “Farthest Driven,” and
“Most Original.” CM Publisher Keith Martin
will serve as emcee of Concorso Italiano—
and he will certainly visit the Corvette corral.
All Corvettes at Concorso entrants will get
a T-shirt to mark the day. CM will have a
booth at the event. CM also will be present
at many of the other events during the week.
Registration for Corvettes at Concorso is
$145. For more information, visit www.
concorso.com. Look for the CM crew at The
Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, the Pebble
Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Russo and
Steele auction, the RM auction, the Mecum
auction and the Gooding auction.
12 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Have a smokin' time at the Z06 Fest in Kentucky
Illinois
September 16–18
Mid America Corvette Funfest, Effingham
The 18th Annual Corvette Funfest includes
the Fun Run Road Tour and Downtown
Party, technical seminars, and a concert with
Don Felder of the Eagles. High-mileage
Corvette displays, installation of Corvette
products on your car, an Exhaust Wars
Sound-Off and other popular events fill the
schedule of this Corvette extravaganza.
Parties fill the night, and many Corvette
clubs and thousands of Corvettes come to
Funfest. This year, Publisher Martin and CM
writer Michael Pierce will serve as celebrity
judges. Registration fees range from $25
to $250 per person, and, as you'd expect,
you get more when you pay more. www.
corvettefunfest.com.
Kentucky
September 1–3, 2011
National Corvette Museum's 17th
Anniversary, Bowling Green
Drive your Corvette on road tours to popular
attractions in Kentucky and Tennessee, attend
Corvette seminars, wine and dine, dance
at a sock hop, bid for Corvette items during
an auction, and enjoy many other activities,
including the spectacular Corvette Museum.
Corvette lovers from all over the United
States will be on hand—and think of all
those cars. www.corvettemuseum.com.
September 15–17, 2011
Z06 Fest, Bowling Green
The Z06 Fest is the National Corvette
Museum's speed and performance event of
the year. Drag racing, autocross, tech ses-
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@corvettemarket.com.
National Corvette Museum
Page 12
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
Michigan
August 27, 2011
The 22nd Annual Corvette Crossroads
Auto Show, Mackinaw City
Hundreds of Corvettes will cruise local roads
and be on display at the Mackinaw Crossings
Mall parking lot. The festivities include a
parade of Corvettes across the Mackinac
Bridge. All Corvettes are welcome. www.
mackinawchamber.com.
Nevada
August 9–14, 2011
Hot August Nights, Reno
The 25th Anniversary of one of the biggest
car and music festivals on the planet is upon
us, and 800,000 people and thousands of
cars—including lots of Corvettes—show up
for the big party every year. The week is a
seemingly endless stream of concerts, sock
hops and auctions. And there is always a lot
of great cars—many of them Corvettes—
cruising the strip. Most events are free, but
those casinos remain pay-to-play for all.
A smaller version of this party happens at
South Lake Tahoe from August 6 to 9, so the
truly committed can wallow in cars and doowop
for a solid nine days—and hot nights.
www.hotaugustnights.net.
Pennsylvania
August 26–28, 2011
Corvettes at Carlisle, Carlisle
More than 5,000 Corvettes and many more
Corvette fans will roar into one of the
world's largest Corvette events. Autocross,
dyno testing, burnouts, and a Corvette parade
through Carlisle are very popular, but don't
miss the giant swapmeet, Car Corral sales,
Installation Alley and the sheer fun of hanging
out with fellow Corvette addicts. Tickets
start at $14. www.carlisleevents.com.
Texas
September 10, 2011
Vettes & Jets on the Lex 2011,
Corpus Christi
Few combinations excite the eye more than
high-performance cars and high-performance
aircraft. Add in the famous USS Lexington
Essex-class aircraft carrier, and you've got
a winner of an event. Corvettes are loaded
onto the carrier for the day, and can anything
beat seeing a bunch of Corvettes on the
deck of an aircraft carrier? Sure—seeing
your Corvette posing on the deck! www.
vettesandjetsonthelex.org. ■
14 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
The current state of the Corvette market
sions, road tours, a poker run and a banquet
are planned—and all events have a special
focus on the Z06 Corvette. Participants also
get a preview of the 2012 at the Bowling
Green plant. www.corvettemuseum.com.
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@corvettemarket.com.
Vettes and Jets on the Lex
SEPTEMBER
Auction Calendar
OCTOBER
1–4—AUCTIONS AMERICA
BY RM
Auburn, IN
2–4—WORLDWIDE
Auburn, IN
3–4—SILVER
Sun Valley, ID
15–18—MECUM
St. Charles, IL
17—CLASSIC MOTORCAR
Canton, OH
18—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Westport, CT
22–24—BARRETT-JACKSON
Las Vegas, NV
23–25—MECUM
Geneva Lake, WI
24—SILVER
Portland, OR
29–OCT 1—AUCTIONS
AMERICA BY RM
Carlisle, PA
1–2—VANDERBRINK
Greenwood, NE
6–7—RM
Hershey, PA
6–8—MECUM
Dallas, TX
7–8—VICARI
Biloxi, MS
14–15—TOM MACK
Charlotte, NC
14–15—CROWN
Tampa, FL
15—SPECIALTY AUTO
AUCTIONS
Loveland, CO
15—VANDERBRINK
LaMoure, ND
21–22—BRANSON
Branson, MO
21–23—COLLECTOR CAR
PRODUCTIONS
Ontario, CAN
22—VANDERBRINK
Westville, OK
28–29—DAN KRUSE
CLASSICS
San Marcos, TX
29—SPECIALTY AUTO
AUCTIONS
Loveland, CO
NOVEMBER
12—VICARI
Panama City Beach, FL
18–20—LEAKE
Dallas, TX
18–20—MCCORMICK
Palm Springs, CA
26—DAN KRUSE CLASSICS
Houston, TX
DECEMBER
1–3—MECUM
Kansas City, MO
2–3—RALEIGH CLASSIC
Raleigh, NC
8–11—HOLLYWOOD WHEELS
West Palm Beach, FL
Page 14
Bloomington
Gold
Is Your Corvette a Factory-Correct Car?
A Survivor Car is a time machine that takes judges back to the assembly line
on the day it was born
by CM Staff
Taking a look, checking it twice....
B
loomington Gold is one of the biggest Corvette events of the year.
Hundreds of Corvettes and their owners and rumble—hopefully,
the rumbling is the result of factory-correct exhaust systems—to
the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL.
Some people are there to connect with other Corvette fans, see other
Corvettes and wallow in an all-Corvette vacation. But others are there
to win Bloomington Gold certification for their Corvettes.
This year, owners put up more than 150 Corvettes for judging, and
they paid a $575 fee for 1953–1972 cars and $450 in fees for 1973–2010
cars. There is no guarantee that any car will win Silver, Gold, Survivor
or Benchmark status.
Bloomington Gold's eagle-eyed judges eye more than 200 com-
ponents on each car, and each Corvette has about 8,500 credits as a
starting point. Points are deducted for car parts that have deteriorated
or are not “factory typical.” At Bloomington Gold, “factory typical”
means that part of the Corvette goal looks as though it has just come off
the Chevrolet assembly line.
There are three levels of certification:
16 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
• The Bronze award goes to Corvettes that are 85 to 89 percent
factory typical.
• The Silver Award goes to Corvettes that are 90 to 94 percent
factory typical.
• The Gold Award goes to Corvettes that are 95 to 100 percent
factory typical.
Another award, Survivor, is given to Corvettes that are more than
50 percent unrestored.
Benchmark is the ultimate award—it is perhaps the Holy Grail for
Corvette owners—as it means that the car has achieved Gold, (95 to
100 percent factory typical), and the car also meets Survivor status,
which means it is factory-correct and at least 50 percent of the Corvette
is in unrestored, original condition.
This year, just 39 Corvettes achieved Benchmark status.
Corvette Market was a sponsor of the Bloomington Gold certifica-
tion process, and CM Publisher Keith Martin was emcee for the fourth
consecutive year. Publisher Martin also participated in the panel discussion
with the 2011 Great Hall inductees ■
Ryan Brinkley
Page 15
2011 Certificate Recipients (CMers are in red)
Benchmark
Robert Atkins—Lagrange, IL
1966 427/390
Jody Balch—Clovis, NM
1965 396/425
Jack Barnett—Albuquerque, NM
1970 327/375
Keith Burmeister—Maumee, OH
1967 427/435
Tim Deatley—Antioch, IL
1978 350/185
William Folse—Metairie, LA
1991 ZR-1
Edward Foss—Roanoke, IN
1971 454/365
Pam Lambert—Gilbert, WV
1990 350/375
John Malmquist—Madison, WI
1988 350/240
Dominic Rossi—Elgin, IL
1978 350/180
Jameson White—Buffalo Grove, IL
1987 350/345
Gold
Fred Alley, Jr.—Troutville, VA
1963 327/340
Robert Atkins—Lagrange, IL
1966 427/390
Thomas Baker—Grafton, MA
1975 350/165
Jody Balch—Clovis, NM
1965 396/425
Jack Barnett—Albuquerque, NM
1965 327/375
1970 350/370
Robert Bean—Chandler, IN
1994 5.7/300
Ronald Berggren—Littleton, CO
1995 5.7/300
Ed Brennan—Brick, NJ
1963 327/340
1967 427/390
Jack Buckerfield—Harrison
Township, MI
1961 283/315
Keith Burmeister—Maumee, OH
1967 427/435
Jeffrey Congdon—Indianapolis, IN
1967 427/390
George Coniglio—Thonotosassa, FL
1954 235/150
Robert J. Connolly—Norwell, MA
1967 327/350
Jerry Cosler—Lebanon, IN
1959 283/290
Donald Crowe—Springville, AL
1961 283/270
John Darnell—Hopkinsville, KY
1957 283/245
Hanley Dawson III—Schaumburg, IL
1961 283/245
Tim Deatley—Antioch, IL
1978 350/185
Michael DiFate—Stamford, CT
1966 427/425
Margaret Duhon—Chicago, IL
1955 265/195
Peter R. Flemming, Sr.—Madison, NJ
1967 427/390
William Folse—Metairie, LA
1991 ZR-1
Edward Foss—Roanoke, IN
1970 454/365
1971 350/370
Paula & Biff Franks—McLean, VA
1954 235/150
Jaime Gesundheit—Sherman
Oaks, CA
1962 327/360
Richard Grant—East Meadow, NY
1969 427/435
David & Mary Gulley—Maumelle, AR
1962 327/250
Richard Guthrie—Alpharetta, GA
1967 427/400
Greg & Diane Haliday &
Ralph Ridge—New Zealand
1958 283/250
Charles Hannoosh—Boxford, MA
1962 327/250
Michael Harling—Dallas, TX
1957 283/245
Rich Haydinger—Moorestown, NJ
1969 427/435
Richard Hoover—Yorkville, IL
1957 283/270
Tim Hunter—Manteca, CA
1962 327/360
Kevin Hyatt—Rochester, IL
1963 327/360
James Isonhood—Henderson, KY
2001 5.7/385
Alexander Jedynski—West
Babylon, NY
1960 283/290
Cary Kissner—Newport, MN
1960 283/245
Pam Lambert—Gilbert , WV
1977 350/180
1990 350/375
1996 5.7/330
2000 5.7/345
2002 5.7/405
Larry Lipsitz—St. Louis, MO
1967 427/435
Craig Loudat—Rockford, IL
2000 5.7/345
Richard Lyon—Tomball, TX
1967 427/435
C1 Corvettes drive the fairway at Pheasant Run
John Malmquist—Madison, WI
1988 350/240
William Mehrkens—Rockville
Centre, NY
1973 454/275
Don Meluzio—York, PA
1967 427/435
Jerry Miller—Delphi, IN
1954 235/150
Vance Miller—Monroe, WI
1962 327/360
Richard Morgante—Armonk, NY
1967 427/400
David Muslin—Glencoe, IL
1963 327/360
William Nichols—Farmington
Hills, MI
1963 327/250
Robert Obrien—Lone Tree, CO
1958 283/230
Anthony Petruzzelli—Hoboken, NJ
1966 427/425
Ronald Pockrus—Harlingen, TX
1967 327/350
Gerald Pockrus—Harlingen, TX
1971 454/425
1978 350/220
Dominic Presty—Eads, TN
1965 327/375
William J. Privitar—Palm Coast, FL
1967 327/350
Vernon Randel—Erie, CO
1963 327/360
Jeff Reade—Santa Monica, CA
1964 327/375
James Ribikawskis—Oak Lawn, IL
1965 327/365
Dominic Rossi—Elgin, IL
1978 350/180
James R. Sandlin—Ortonville, MI
1959 283/270
Tom Schaeffer—Kansas City, MO
1958 283/290
Jay Schwartzapfel—Livingston, NJ
1965 327/375
Daryl Senick—Barrie, ON, Canada
1978 350/185
Bobby Shepherd—Rochester, IN
1958 283/290
Howard Steinberg—Ivyland, PA
1967 427/435
Nunzio R. Stella—Toms River, NJ
1966 427/390
John Strewe—Park Ridge, IL
2003 5.7/350
Stephen Tvorik—Huntington
Beach, CA
1973 454/275
Ron Whitacre—Batesville, IN
1953 235/150
Jameson White—Buffalo Grove, IL
1987 350/345
Dr. George Williams—Marion, IL
1988 350/240
Silver
Michael Demasi—Toms River, NJ
1967 327/350
Jack Gillette—Lake George, NY
1981 350/190
1982 350/200
Michael I. Gilson—Sterling
Heights, MI
1966 327/350
Mike Gramse—Fairbault, MN
1957 283/270
Leslie Kina—Palos Hills, IL
1975 350/275
Larry Kluge—Long Grove, IL
1978 350/220
Pam Lambert—Gilbert, WV
1978 350/175
Tom Marcucci—Wixom, MI
1969 427/430
Gary Mueller—Minooka, IL
1967 427/390
Randy Van Essen—Otley, IA
1978 350
Bronze
Kenneth Joseph—Canton, OH
1956 265/225
Participation
Leslie Kina—Palos Hills, IL
1975 350/275
Steven Wallach—Boca Raton, FL
1956 265/225
Survivor
Robert Atkins—Lagrange, IL
1966 427/390
Thomas Baker—Grafton, MA
1975 350/165
Jody Balch—Clovis, NM
1965 396/425
Jack Barnett—Albuquerque, NM
1970 350/370
Keith Burmeister—Maumee, OH
1967 427/435
Tim Deatley—Antioch, IL
1978 350/185
Michael Demasi—Toms River, NJ
1967 327/350
Diane Emling—Traverse City, MI
1976
William Folse—Metairie, LA
1991 ZR-1
Edward Foss—Roanoke, IN
1971 454/365
Steven Gilboy—Cambria, WI
1978 350/250
Jack Gillette—Lake George, NY
1981 350/190
1982 350/200
Richard Grant—East Meadow, NY
1969 427/435
Peter Hendricks—Marietta, GA
1967 327/350
George Jones—Princeton, KY
1964 327/375
Trine Jorgensen—Collierville, TN
1990
Kenneth Joseph—Canton, OH
1956 265/225
Larry Kluge—Long Grove, IL
1978 350/220
Ken Koopmann—Altoona, WI
1963 327/300
Pam Lambert—Gilbert, WV
1977 350/175
1978 350/180
1990 ZR-1
John Malmquist—Madison, WI
1988 350/245
Tom Marcucci—Wixom, MI
1969 427/430
Joe Pontarelli—Cicero, IL
1986 350/235
Steve Quies—Machesney, IL
1971 350/270
Dominic Rossi—Elgin, IL
1978 350/180
James Schifferdecker—Millstadt, IL
1975 350/165
Jay Schwartzapfel—Livingston, NJ
1965 327/375
Brad Shufelt—Schaumburg, IL
1972 350/250
Chuck Trascritti—Naperville, IL
1991 350/250
Wayne Valentine—Upland, IN
1961 283/230
Steven Wallach—Boca Raton, FL
1956 265/225
Jameson White—Buffalo Grove, IL
1987 350/345
Dr. George Williams—Marion, IL
1988 Z01
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 17
Page 16
Bloomington Gold
In Pictures
Corvettes of Bloomington 2011
Images by CM Staff
More black C1s than left St. Louis
C2s on the fairway
No shortage of choices
Tri-Power exam
18 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Red, white and blue
Page 17
When in the Midwest
There are 200 components to check
A Grand lineup of 1996 Corvettes
Can you spot the real one?
A one-year wonder
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 19
Page 18
The Great Hall
Bloomington Gold 2011
Ten great people and ten great Corvettes inducted into the Great Hall
by SCM Staff
B
loomington Gold 2011 saw the second group of cars, people and
organizations welcomed into the Great Hall. By 2014, the Great
Hall will have celebrated the stories of 50 great cars and 50 great
people or organizations.
This year's inductees include legendary Corvette people, such as
racer Tony DeLorenzo, parts supplier Ralph Eckler and visionary leader
Dan Gale. Notable cars recognized this year included the 1971 ZR2, the
first 1967 L88 and the 1960 Le Mans Racer Number 3. Every inductee
into the Great Hall is a groundbreaking person, car or organization.
The 2011 Inductees (Biographical information courtesy of
Bill Locke, Bloomington Gold)
Ralph Eckler
Vendor, marketer, collector and
restorer
The purchase of a 1960
Corvette from a salvage yard
started Eckler's career as a
manufacturer of custom and
restoration parts. Eckler made
Corvette repair and modification
practical long before the current
craze of aftermarket accessories—he
was the pioneer of
Corvette personalization.
Tony DeLorenzo
Corvette racing
Mr. DeLorenzo got his start
driving Corvettes for Ed Cole
and Bill Mitchell during the early
1960s. He got a sponsorship from
a Detroit Chevrolet dealer, who
made it possible for DeLorenzo
to strap into the first production
1967 L88 Corvette. Tony and
the L88 won their first race, and
many more, including second
place at the 1968 24 Hours of
Daytona, winning the 1970
SCCA National Championship,
winning the 1970 12 Hours of
Sebring and winning the 1971 24
Hours of Daytona.
M.F. Dobbins
Researcher, author, restorer and
manufacturer
In 1977, Dobbins decided to
write the first factual manual on
Corvettes, and he wrote many
more. With his pioneering research
on mid-year Corvettes, Dobbins
knowledge and skills fit the specs
of what Bloomington Gold was
seeking. Dobbins was one of the
creators of Bloomington Gold
Certification and he was one of the
original Bloomington Gold judges.
Roger Judski
Collector and Corvette hobbyist
Judski started from scratch
in 1970 to assemble one of the
greatest collections of Corvettes
in the world. Since then, he has
collected some of the rarest
Corvettes, including two 1967
L88s, a 1968 L88, a 1969 ZL-1
and many others. The Judski
Collection is on public display
at Roger's Corvette Center in
Maitland, FL. The collection
inspires others into getting
involved with Corvettes.
Dan Gale
National Corvette Museum visionary
Gale led—through passion,
vision and influencing others—the
way to the creation of the National
Corvette Museum in Bowling
Green, KY. Gale was the museum's
president from 1992–94,
and he worked tirelessly to see
Zora Arkus-Duntov's dream of a
Corvette museum become reality.
Gale got the job done.
1963 327/300 Harley Earl convertible
20 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Gary Mortimer
Researcher, author, restorer,
founder and facilitator
Mortimer is one of the origi-
nal seven founders of the NCRS,
and he was the group's first
president. Mortimer also helped
found the National Corvette
Museum. Although hundreds of
others have helped make NCRS
a success, it was this quiet,
stable and likeable man who has
been THE name connected with
NCRS.
Page 19
The Cars
tiger? We weren't quite sure, but
we loved that car and weren't
going to let it go.”—Ed Cole,
Chevrolet CEO.
The 1955 Corvette V8 marked
Ken and Gary Naber
Corvette restorersx
Ken and Gary Naber have
restored and repaired Corvettes
since 1963, and, since 1986,
Naber Brothers has focused
on world-class Corvette restorations.
They are one of the
leading sources for Bloomington
Gold- and NCRS-quality restorations.
They have also served as
judges for decades. They have
influenced thousands of Corvette
owners to restore their cars to
factory-authentic appearance.
Joe Pike
Marketer, promoter and writer
From 1960 to 1974, Pike was
editor of Corvette News. He
was one of the founders of the
National Council of Corvette
Clubs, and he was the National
Sales Promotion Manager for
Corvette. Pike knew that the
Corvette would never make it
unless the cars won acceptance
from sports car people. Pike
made Corvette a lifestyle by
setting up a national group of
Corvette clubs. Without Pike, the
Corvette Phenomenon may never
have happened.
1978 Pace Car
Increased public awareness of
Corvette
Owner: Ed Foss
A front-page story in the
Wall Street Journal announced
that Limited Edition Corvettes
(maybe 300) would be produced
as replicas of the car that paced
the 1978 Indianapolis 500 and
proclaimed these would become
an “immediate collectible.”
Selection to pace the race
coincided with Corvette's 25th
Anniversary. Painted silver and
black, trimmed with Indy decals...this
would be a distinctive
look for both track and street.
Good marketing! Too good?
Fearing legal action from its
dealers, Chevrolet decided to
build enough Pace Cars to supply
each dealer at least one, a tactic
that exploded final production
to 6,502. Inevitably, supply and
demand caught up with reality
and by race day, prices dropped
like a bag of hammers. However,
the Pace Car became the first
Corvette to be recognized on the
national scene in this light.
NCRS
Education, publishing, judging
and influencing the direction of
the hobby
The first NCRS Meet was
at Wapakoneta, OH in 1974.
Since then, the organization has
grown to 16,000 Corvette-happy
families across 44 chapters.
More than 50,000 people have
belonged to the group during the
past 37 years. NCRS has a robust
judging and awards program—
and has amassed enormous
amounts of technical data. NCRS
has influenced the Corvette community
to properly restore cars to
factory specs and has fueled the
restoration industry.
Bob Wingate
Corvette sales, organizer, promoter
and racer
In January 1970, Chevrolet
recognized Wingate as the top
Corvette salesman in the United
States. Wingate was the Corvette
pioneer at the grass-roots level
for the West Coast of the United
States. Wingate helped create
many Corvette clubs. The man
was promoting Corvettes everywhere.
Wingate was a founding
member and first president of the
Western States Corvette Council.
Wingate was indeed Corvette's
Number One Salesman.
1955 First V8 Corvette
Production highlight, changed
financial direction of Corvette
Owner: Terry Michaelis
On January 1, 1955, a
surplus of 1,076 1954 Corvettes
remained unsold. GM was applying
heavy pressure to shut down
the Corvette project, which in
mid-1955 looked like a bottomless
rat hole down which good
money could only be poured
after bad.
“We really didn't know what
we wanted. We had no feeling of
the market. Was Corvette for the
boulevard driver or sports-car
the turning point for Chevrolet's
sports car. Performance has
remained the brand's trademark
for nearly six decades.
The vehicle on display (#002)
is representative of all 1955 V8
Corvettes.
1965 State of the Art
Influenced the direction of restoration
Owner: Ron Hohmann, Sr.
In the 1981 book, Corvette
Restoration, State of the Art,
author Mike Antonick follows
the research, disassembly,
documentation, and reassembly
of this Corvette to factory
standards, including crayon
marks on the frame, and
numerous components receiving
paint overspray. The goal
was to reproduce the factory
Corvette—flaws and all. Why?
The restorer, David Burroughs,
wanted to demonstrate the type
of restorations he expected to
see in order to qualify for a new
type of Corvette award he was
considering—Gold Certification.
Upon release of the book in 1981,
this new concept in factory- accurate
restoration caught on and
resulted in a shift from cosmetic
perfection to historic accuracy.
“Route 66” TV Show Corvette
Influenced public awareness of
Corvette
Owner: Robert Marvin
Route 66 was seen on CBS
TV between 1960 and 1964, with
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 21
Page 20
The Great Hall
the most remembered parts of the
weekly series being the theme
song and the Corvette. The storyline
revolved around two young
men driving across America on
Route 66 taking odd jobs along the
route to pay their way. Although
there wasn't one minute of talk
about fuel injection, 4-speeds, or
0-to-60-mph times, gearheads
watched it for fleeting glimpses of
the Corvette. This show created
tremendous awareness and excitement
in the Corvette brand, and is
remembered to this day.
Runoffs (American Road Race of
Champions) at Daytona Beach.
Some of DeLorenzo's strongest
competitors were eliminated in
an early multi-car wreck; the
L88 finished 2nd behind a 427
Cobra. The car was recently
returned to the racing livery of
its days of glory in 1967. This
car was the opening page to the
legacy of the L88s.
with their new toy, GM stylists
produced a show-car version of
the 1963 convertible for display
at the Chicago Auto Show with
external exhaust and functional
hood grilles. The car was finished
in blue with a white stripe and
special finned aluminum wheels.
The man responsible for conceiving
the concept and design was
Harley Earl, chief of GM Styling
until retiring in 1958. Five years
after his retirement, GM honored
Earl with this personalized 1963
Corvette Sting Ray.
The Harley Earl Corvette is
1969 ZL-1
Production milestone
Owner: Roger Judski
Within the haystack of the
First 1967 L88
Production milestone and racing
pioneer
Owner: Chuck Ungurean
This is the first production
L88 Corvette built. It instantly
established racing dominance
and the legend of the “baddest”
of the big block Corvettes.
With over 560 horsepower,
guzzling 103 octane fuel, L88s
would give Al Gore the shivers.
Ordered by Tony DeLorenzo Jr.,
son of GM executive Anthony
G. DeLorenzo, this L88 was
delivered to Detroit's Hanley
Dawson Chevrolet in Detroit,
MI. The car was prepped to A
Production specs for its first
event at Wilmot Hills, WI, which
it won going away. At the next
event, Road America, the car's
155 mph top speed was such a
shock to DeLorenzo, Sr., that it
was two years before he would
attend another of his son's races.
That successful first season
qualified the car for the SCCA
254,309 Corvettes produced
between the golden years of
1953-1969, finding a ZL-1 is the
needle. The L88 “racing engine
option” offered between 19671969
was extremely rare. Only
216 Corvettes were produced
with those engines. However,
only a couple—more or less—
L88s were built with the lighter
aluminum engine - the ZL-1
option. Therefore, factory built
ZL-1s are nearly non-existent.
The ZL-1 is the textbook definition
of the “rarest, fastest, and
most desirable” of Corvettes.
arguably one of the most visually
attractive Corvettes built—and
continues to be admired by
Corvette and automotive enthusiasts.
1956 SR-2
Racing pioneer
Owner: Rich Mason
The SR-2 (Sebring Racer)
designation was given to three
1956 Corvettes. All of them left
the factory as stock Corvettes,
and were shipped to GM styling
in Warren, MI for race modifications
and cosmetic additions.
This is the first of the three. In
the spring of 1956, it was known
that the GM Head of the Styling
Studio, Harley Earl, had a son
Jerry who road raced a Ferrari.
Management told dad he should
be racing a GM car. Harley made
a deal with his son: “If you sell
the Ferrari, I will build you a
special Corvette to race.”
The SR-2 was an early racing
1971 ZR2
Production milestone
Owner: Ed Foss
Zora Arkus-Duntov,
1963 Glamour
Styling highpoint
Owners: a private consortium
Unable to resist tampering
Corvette's legendary first chief
engineer, was nothing if not
sophisticated. He studied engineering
in Europe's best schools,
and raced against Europe's best
drivers. Zora's approach to the
Corvette was sophisticated as
well, except for one simple,
unshakable belief: The more
cubic inches, the better. Based
on the humongous 454-ci engine,
the ZR2 option featured the LS6
engine package and required a
4-speed manual. For 1971, just
twelve were built. As one of only
two 1971 ZR2 convertibles, this
8,703-mile original was Zora's
last fingerprint on Corvette
performance.
pioneer. It inspired enthusiasm
among Corvette fans and for
Chevrolet's future racing development.
1960 Le Mans Racer Number 3
Racing pioneer, influenced
Corvette credibility
Owners: The Chip Miller Family
In 1960, Briggs Cunningham
entered three Corvettes into the
legendary and most prestigious
race of all time—the 24 Hours
of Le Mans in France. Two of
the Cunningham Corvettes spun
out and crashed. However, the
John Fitch–Bob Grossman entry
#3 soldiered on to an honorable
eighth place overall, and became
the first Corvette to win its class.
It remained the only Corvette to
win its class at Le Mans for over
40 years. Through the vision of
Chip Miller, Number 3 returned
to Le Mans 50 years later in 2010
and was again driven around
the famous track by 93-year-old
driver John Fitch. ■
1956 SR-2
22 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 22
C1 profile
1962 Corvette 327/360 Big Brake Fuelie
Most of these cars were purchased for nothing more than the local Stoplight
Grand Prix on Friday or Saturday nights
by Thomas Glatch
finned drums with internal cooling fans and quick steering adapter—all developed
and proven on the race track.
A Rochester fuel-injected, solid-lifter 327/360 V8 combines with the Code 685
T
Borg-Warner 4-speed and Positraction rear end. Finished in Tuxedo Black, with a
Fawn Beige interior and white top, the car rolls on 15 x 5½-inch painted steel wheels
and includes a Wonderbar signal-seeking radio.
CM Analysis This car, Lot S84, sold for $90,100, including buyer's premium, at
Prior to the Bloomington Gold auction this year, corvetteblogger.com ranked this
Mecum's Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction on June 25, 2011.
Corvette as one of the four most desirable cars from the event they would like in their
collection. I couldn't agree more.
The thought of buying a factory race car for street use is usually fueled more by
testosterone than sanity, but the Big Brake Corvettes, especially the 1962 versions,
could be the rare exception.
The Big Brake option was introduced late in the 1957 model year, and the name
actually refers to a series of Corvette options, all developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov
and Chevrolet for the Corvette's successful 12 Hours of Sebring campaign that year.
RPO 687 not only added the huge drum brakes and metallic linings needed to slow
the heavy Corvette at racing speeds, but it also added quicker steering and the larger
RPO 276 15 x 5½ inch wheels, RPO 675 Positraction axle, and the top-horsepower
engine offered that model year.
24 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
his immaculate, matching-numbers 1962 Corvette convertible was factory
equipped with all the components necessary for all-out competition: the exceptionally
rare RPO 687 “Big Brake” package that included special front and rear
shocks, front brake deflector/air scoops, rear brake air scoops, metallic linings,
Details
Years Produced 1962
Number Produced 246 RPO 687 (out of 14,531 1962
Corvettes total)
Original List Price $5,461.65
CM Valuation $76,500–$132,500 (fuel-injected
with hard top)
Tune-up $150
Distributor Cap $19.99
Chassis # VIN plate on the steering column
Engine # Pad on front of block below right
cylinder head
Club
National Corvette Restorers Society
6291 Day Road
Cincinnati, OH 45252
More www.ncrs.org
1962 Jaguar XKE
Alternatives
1961 Corvette 283/315 Fuelie
1963 Corvette 327/360 L84 Fuelie
CM Investment
Grade B
Mecum Auctions
Page 23
Digital Bonus
CM
With these options, you had a Corvette that was
essentially a twin to what Dr. Dick Thompson, Jim
Jeffords, and others were using to win consecutive SCCA
Production class championships from 1957 to 1962.
A race car for the street
A total of 246 Big Brake Corvettes were sold in 1962,
far more than could possibly be used for competition.
That means that most of the cars were purchased for
nothing more than the occasional Stoplight Grand Prix.
But unlike the brutal L88 Corvette of the late 1960s, the
Big Brake cars were actually well-suited to street use.
In a 1959 test of an RPO 687 Corvette, Road & Track
magazine found the Cerametalix linings to be “not as
effective when cold as when hot, and after the test was
completed, the linings squeaked when the brakes were
applied.” This is not a problem for racing, but it is a
potential deal-breaker for a car bought for street use.
However, GM's Delco Moraine division continued to
refine the composition of these brakes, and by 1962, Car
and Driver magazine could report “the grabby, unpredictable
ceramic-metallic linings are now a thing of the
past, having served their purpose as a stopgap until Moraine could design sufficient
life and consistency into the sintered iron type.”
These brake improvements were necessary, as the new 327-ci V8 made the already-
fast Corvette much faster, with an additional 45 horsepower for the fuel-injected
version. Wrote Car Life magazine, “For sheer performance, there's nothing like a
Corvette. Especially the new FI model with more power—and torque—than ever!”
Quarter-mile times were about the same as the previous Fuelie, mostly due to
horsepower overwhelming the contemporary tire technology, but Car Life found “...
when we put away our stopwatches and relied on the seat of our pants, we did notice
the difference. It was clearly evident on the highway, providing solid bursts for passing
and climbing. Wheel spin isn't a difficulty at road speeds and the bigger engine really
has a chance to show its stuff. Here, the reason isn't so much the greater horsepower
as a sharp boost in torque.” They concluded: “When we reported on the 1961 Corvette
in last September's issue, we said, ‘We will readily admit that we would like very much
to own a fuel-injected Corvette with all the options.' Our experience with the 1962
model with its bigger bundle of torque made our desire stronger than ever.”
A Big Brake bargain
We've seen a 1962 Corvette with racing provenance break the $1,000,000 mark—
the Gulf Oil Sebring winner featured in CM 5 (p. 24) sold for $1,485,000 in 2008.
Another authentic racer, the Tony Settember/Jack
Turner Le Mans car, sold for $489,500 in 2006.
Even 1962 Big Brake Corvettes without racing his-
tory have sold for as much as $176,000—that sale coming
in January of this year. That Big Brake car, however,
was restored by an NCRS judge and had NCRS Top
Flight, Duntov awards and Bloomington Gold certification.
A Roman Red 1962 Fuelie without the Big Brake
option sold at this year's Bloomington Gold auction for
$106,000, and it too had earned Gold certification.
This Corvette has neither the provenance of racing
nor the pedigree of NCRS or Gold certification, although
the car looked properly restored. It was also sold
just a few lots after a collection of 23 black Corvettes
from 1954 to 1969 went across the block. After a steady
stream of black Corvettes, maybe something as simple
as color overload kept the bidding down on this Tuxedo
Black car. Nevertheless, this is a highly desirable firstgeneration
Corvette, which the buyer got on the cheap.
Very well bought. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
RPO Description
327-ci, 360 bhp fuelinjected
engine
Cost
867 Base Corvette convertible $4,038.00
582
675 Positraction rear axle
687 Heavy duty brakes and
suspension
685 4-speed manual transmission
102 AM radio, signal seeking
419 Auxiliary hard top
276
6.70 x 15 blackwall tires
(included in RPO 687)
Total
$484.20
$43.05
$333.60
$188.30
137.75
$236.75
n/c
$5,461.65
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 25
Production
14,531
1,918
14,232
246
11,318
13,076
8,074
561
Page 24
C2 profile
1967 Corvette L89 427/435 Coupe
Only 16 L89s were ever ordered, according to widely published data, which
makes our subject car vastly rare—especially if documented
by Dale Novak
Chassis number: 194377S113522
• 4-speed
• L89 aluminum heads
• Transistor ignition
• F41 suspension
• 4.11 Positraction
• AM/FM radio
• Multiple NCRS Top Flight award winner
• Bloomington Gold certified
• Owner's manual
CM Analysis This car, Lot T232, sold for $124,020, including buyer's premium, at the
Mecum auction in Indianapolis, IN, on Thursday, May 19, 2011.
In 1967, Chevrolet introduced the new L71 option for the 427-ci V8. This would
include Tri-Power carburetion and a mostly underrated 435 horses to plaster a guy
into his bucket seats.
Along with the new L71 option, one could also check the box for the all-new alu-
minum cylinder heads. This would be known as the Regular Production Order (RPO)
L89 configuration. To get it, buyers needed to check the box for the L71 option and
then top it off with the L89 heads, which added an additional $805.75 to the base
price. These two options alone ratcheted up the MSRP to $5,194.50—without any
other options checked off.
For deep-pocket Corvette buyers, the overall cost was not that much of a factor. It
was a lot of car for the money—one that could smoke just about anything on the road
and be welcome at the local country club. It was a stylish brute, to say the least.
26 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Details
Year Produced 1967
Number Produced 16 with L89 option
Original List Price $5,704.40 (as equipped)
CM Valuation $240,000-$340,000
Tune-up $400–$500 (3x2 induction
tuning)
Distributor Cap $25
Chassis #
Passenger-side dash under
glove box on structural support
Engine # Pad on passenger side of engine
forward of cylinder head
Club National Corvette Restorers
Society
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1966 Corvette 427/425 L72
1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06
1967 Corvette 427/435 L71
CM Investment Grade A (For a genuine L89 or, for that
matter, a genuine L71)
Mecum Auctions
Page 25
Digital Bonus
CM
But, in 1967, if a guy was going to pony up for more ponies, he wanted real perfor-
mance—not an upgrade that technically produced the same horses as the L71.
By the spec books, the L89 engine was still rated at 435 horsepower—the same as
the L71 engine—even though the aluminum heads had larger exhaust valves than their
iron-head counterparts. The $368.65 L89 option added an additional cost, but for the
uninitiated buyer, no discernable increase in bragging rights at the local pub.
The real value for adding aluminum heads back then—and today—is for weight
savings. The L89 option shaved about 75 pounds off the front wheels. The performance
value comes from the power-to-weight ratio—if you're moving less weight,
you can move an object faster with the same amount of energy. Despite this weight
reduction, only 16 buyers checked the L89 box, as most buyers probably figured it was
easier and less expensive to just kick your buddy out the door if you wanted to max out
the driving experience.
Rare but easy to fake
Only 16 L89s were ordered, according to widely published data, which makes our
subject car vastly rare—subject to verification. As this is the age of the Internet, where
everybody gets to be an expert, the Corvette blogs and forums have been ablaze with
comments pro and con about this car. I can't tell you whether these wired pundits are
right or wrong, but I can report on the reasons behind the discussions.
Part of what makes the L89s so rare is also what makes them so easy to fake.
Get some correct, vintage aluminum heads and creatively stamp the engine with the
proper codes, and, all of a sudden, you have a rare L89 that could potentially pass
muster in high-profile judged events (guys, don't shoot me, it happens and we all know
it).
As I have stated in previous articles, the big money being spent for these cars means
some disreputable guys have gotten really good at creating nearly indiscernible fakes.
Again, I'm not suggesting that our subject car is either genuine or an imposter, but
I wish there had been concrete documentation presented with the car that verified that
this was an air-tight, authenticated, born-with, rock-solid L89. Personally, I would
have liked to have seen a tank sticker, bills of sale, P.O.P. and some original dealer
documents to help substantiate the car. Some—or all—of these papers would have
helped.
A rock-solid ownership trail would also aid in decoding the DNA of the car.
As we're talking about one of 16, not one of 1,600, I'd
be super picky about asking for iron-clad proof before
I'd pry any greenbacks out of my wallet.
If the seller did have some or all of these documents,
I'd say he left a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills on
the table by not presenting them at the sale - it's really
that simple.
A judged Corvette
The Mecum description describes chassis 13522 as
a recipient of multiple NCRS Top Flight awards and
Bloomington Gold certification. However, keep in mind
that these respected judging bodies are not in the business
of proclaiming a car to be a genuine, factory-built
L89, only that it is typical of what came off the 1967
Corvette assembly line.
That judging includes whether the car is correct with
all the proper codes, stampings and components as seen
on the factory build.
Market analysis
After all that we've said above, chassis 113522 was
either remarkably well bought or somewhat well sold.
Our dissection really comes down to authenticity. If the
car was the real deal—one of the original 16 L89 cars
built by Chevrolet—then I'd say bravo to the buyer for
a well-done and colossally well-bought car. The CM
Pocket Price Guide doesn't even mention the L89, as the
values of these ultra-rare Corvettes are simply a wild
guess.
Yes, we can take the L71 values and ramp them up,
but with only 16 L89s built, you simply don't see these
cars trade hands very often in a public forum. We could
use L88s as an example, as only 20 of those were built in
1967—but those are vastly different machines, and
you can't buy one for $124k. The CM Pocket Price
Guide values 1967 L88s at $1.2m to $2m.
At $124,020, the price of our subject car was
even somewhat light on the Corvette-O-Meter for
even an “ordinary” L71 coupe given the straightup
#2 condition of the car and the previously mentioned
awards from NCRS and Bloomington Gold.
Money with a message
I believe that the money paid here directly
shows that buyers had questions about the authenticity
of the car. It has been suggested that airtight
documentation could have ramped the bid up at
least two-fold, which is only an educated guess—
but I don't have any reasons to doubt that claim.
Documentation for a one-of-16 Corvette is
vital—and I would suggest mandatory for any
buyer who is deciding how to best invest his hardearned
moola on an investment-grade Corvette. I
believe that most of the buyers in the room came to
the same conclusion, and they had deep concerns
about the real-deal status of the car.
Bigger money for this car will stay deeply
implanted in buyer's wallets—until such time that
more documentation surfaces about the original
build.
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.) ■
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 27
Page 26
C3 profile
1972 Corvette LT-1 350/255 Convertible
The faithful knew times were changing for the car—and not for the better
by Mark Rudnick
Chassis number: 1Z67L2S524746
O
ne of 1,741 produced, this is a Corvette 350/255 LT-1 with original, matchingnumbers
M21 4-speed. Also features Positraction, power steering, tilt/telescopic
column, leather, factory AM/FM radio, two tops and Ontario Orange exterior
with original rally wheels.
This was the last year for the mighty LT-1, and this is one of only 1,741 coupes and
convertibles produced. This is a fascinating Ontario Orange LT-1 Corvette that spent
nearly its entire life in The Dalles, OR, just 80 miles east of Portland, OR.
This car was built in June 1972, and it
Corvette.
CM Analysis This car, Lot 375.1, sold for $38,500, including buyer's premium, at
Barrett-Jackson's Orange County sale on Sunday, June 26, 2011.
In 1972, the top song on American airways was Don McLean's epic “American
Pie,” which mournfully challenged the optimism of American culture and psyche of
the 1950s and early 1960s. McLean's song was a defining moment in the American
experience—something had been lost, and we knew it. The song's chorus includes the
lyric: “…Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry…” In many ways, it was
Chevy performance which was quickly running dry.
The Corvette faithful, who wanted the ascent in performance to continue unabated,
knew times were changing for the Corvette—and not for the better.
28 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
is a beautifully restored factory LT-1
Details
Years Produced 1970–72
Number Produced 4,977
Original List Price $6,747.50
CM Valuation $35,000–$66,000
Tune-up $150–$200
Distributor Cap $30
Chassis # Driver's side window pillar
Engine # Engine pad forward of right
cylinder head
Club National Corvette Restorers
Society
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302
1963 Corvette 327/300
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
CM Investment
Grade C
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, L.L.C.
Page 27
Digital Bonus
CM
Losing power, torque and glamour
The 1972 LT-1 engine was the last solid-
lifter small block to bless a Corvette. The
original LT-1 engine was offered in 1970, with
a compression ratio of 11:1, which produced
370 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, along with 380
foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. In 1971,
to comply with new federal emissions requirements,
the compression ratio was reduced to
9.0:1, producing 330 horsepower at 5,600 rpm
and 360 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.
In 1972, the automotive industry switched
from using Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) gross horsepower ratings to SAE net
horsepower ratings, and the 1972 LT-1 dropped
to an official rating of 255 horsepower at 5,600
rpm and 280 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000
rpm.
However, the 1971 and 1972 LT-1 engines
offered the exact same performance.
This was the end of the run for the acclaimed “mouse
that roared,” as Zora Arkus-Duntov proudly referred to
the 350 LT-1 engine. It also signaled the end of an era
in Corvette small-block performance breakthroughs. It
would take until 1992 for Chevrolet to put a more powerful
small-block V8 engine in the Corvette. Interestingly,
the 1992 350/300 engine would be named LT1.
Look at the 5th digit
The 1970-72 LT-1 Corvettes, with their legendary
performance and relatively low production numbers,
are highly sought after by those drawn to early C3 styling
and small-block-performance. This appeal—and
consequent market value of the LT-1 Corvette—has
made documentation a critical issue.
In 1970 and 1971, the primary documentation would be the Protect-O-Plate and
Tank Sheet, which are too often missing, or even worse, frauds. In 1972, Chevrolet decided
to include engine identification in the VIN. If the 5th digit is an L, as it is on this
car, the Corvette started life with an LT-1 engine. This takes away a lot of the concern
when establishing the authenticity of a 1972 LT-1 Corvette. Our car is the real deal.
This 1972 Ontario Orange LT-1 convertible was well bought. This classic con-
vertible was nicely restored to factory-original appearance, with the exception of the
missing smog pump. In its period-popular Ontario Orange (the exterior color most
selected in 1972), this LT-1 roadster can be proudly and enthusiastically driven and
enjoyed. The LT-1 Corvettes will always have a strong following among Corvette
aficionados who understand the significance of the LT-1 engine in the development of
the Corvette. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.)
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 29
Page 28
C4 profile
1991 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe, 1993 Corvette ZR-1
Coupe; 1995 Corvette ZR-1 Coupe
Three low-mileage ZR-1s sold in one day in Portland, OR, and the market
still isn't pricing these road rockets into the stratosphere
by Michael Pierce
The ZR-1 is a 175 mph supercar, which can go head
to head with more expensive machinery, but it will actually
start first time the next morning. Prices remain at
bargain levels, but that can't continue forever, and the
pool of low-mileage cars is shrinking.
1995 Corvette ZR-1, Lot 188
Chassis number: 1G1YZ22J6S5800181
The third Corvette ZR-1 from the Lewis collection
is the newest and in the most conservative color. Again,
with only 7,500 miles, it is effectively a new car.
The white paint shows no marks or scrapes, the black
leather interior is unmarked and the moon roof is tinted
black (a new, white moon roof is included as well).
This was the 181st Corvette ZR-1 built in Bowling
1991 ZR-1
1991 Corvette ZR-1, Lot 183
Chassis number: 1G1YZ23J0M5801196
Power was suddenly back in fashion when the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 was
launched in 1990, with 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a top speed near 175 mph. Its
4-cam LT5 engine was built by Mercury Marine engineers—to a Lotus design. The
car cost $62,675 when new—$25,000 more than the basic Corvette.
This 1991 Corvette ZR-1 in the Lewis collection has traveled a mere 7,500 miles
from new and shows no wear to speak of—other than lightly on the red leather driver's
seat. The red paint doesn't have any stone chips. According to the average 15,000 miles
that modern motorists travel each year, it is fundamentally new, although the tires have
died of old age and will need to be replaced.
The engine is the 375 horsepower, 350-ci, 32-valve, 4-cam V8, backed with a
6-speed manual transmission, power rack-and pinion steering, and disc brakes all
around. The ZR-1 has bigger brakes and wider tires than mainstream Corvettes, plus
the power band of a Ferrari, with a red line of 7,400 rpm. This 1991 Model ZR-1 has
both tops, the red solid roof and the black glass moon roof. ZR-1 prices have been soft
in recent years, but nothing offers more performance for the money.
1993 Corvette ZR-1, Lot 187
Chassis number: 1G1YZ23J1P5800028
This 1993 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is the second of three belonging to the Lewis
collection. It was bought from Kompact Kar Korner in Lynnwood, WA, in 2006 and
is one of 448 built in 1995.
The paint on this 15,975-mile car is near-perfect, with no scrapes or chips. The
gray leather interior shows well and is in nice shape, commensurate with its mileage.
1993 also marked the second generation of the ZR-1 and some significant changes
were made. The 32-valve, 4-cam V8 engine was boosted from 375 horsepower to
405 horsepower, thanks to modifications to the cylinder heads and valvetrain. Other
changes included 4-bolt main bearings, platinum spark plugs and a Mobil 1 synthetic
oil requirement.
30 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Green, KY, in 1995; the last one made was number 448
and it was built on April 28, then driven straight across
the road to the Corvette Museum. To the very end, the
ZR-1 was an exotic option to the base Corvette, whose
performance was gradually narrowing the gap. In 1995,
a base Corvette cost $36,785, while a ZR-1 was $68,043.
Once again: In a few years time the prices that
Corvette ZR-1s are selling for today are going to seem
like a bargain.
Details
Years Produced 1990–1995
Number Produced 1991: 2,044 units; 1993: 448; 1995: 448
Original List Price 1991: $62,675; 1995: $68,043
CM Valuation
1991: $30,000; 1993: $32,000;
1995: $38,000 (For original, lowmiles
examples with full documentation)
Tune-up $300
Distributor Cap $25
Chassis # Front of the dash, next to windshield,
driver's side
Engine # Engine block pad surface
Club National Corvette Restorers Society
(NCRS)
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1996 Corvette Grand Sport;
1988–1989 Corvette Challenge
racer; 1987–1991 Callaway
Corvette
CM Investment
Grade B
Bonhams
Page 29
Digital Bonus
CM
1993 ZR-1
CM Analysis These three ZR-1 Corvettes, Lots 183, 187
and 188, sold for $26,910, $26,910 and
$31,590 respectively at the Bonhams & Butterfields' sale
of the Wally Lewis Collection in Portland, OR on June
11, 2011.
Two years ago, Wally Lewis invited me to view his
92-vehicle collection in Portland, OR.
Now, Bonhams was selling all of the sedans, coupes,
roadsters, trucks and automobilia in a no-reserve auction.
I remembered seeing three very-original, verylow-mileage
ZR-1s (a red '91 with 7,500 miles; a yellow
'93 with 15,975 miles and a white '95 with 7,677 miles).
All the cars had great paper. I decided to see if I could
get a steal of a buy on the '95. So, I registered with the
auction house and attended the preview.
A great buy—but it wasn't a car
Right inside the main warehouse door, where every-
thing was on display, was a complete, nine-foot-long,
dual exhaust assembly in excellent condition leaning
against a wall. It was going to be sold along with the
models, tires, wheels and assorted car-related stuff in
Lewis' collection. I knew what it was, but checked the
part number and dates to confirm that it was from a '95
ZR-1. These exhaust systems have not been available
from GM or VPI for over five years—and they last sold
for close to $2,000.
I looked at the three ZR-1s, and as I suspected, the
white 1995 car was sporting a new, stainless-steel aftermarket
exhaust system. This, along with a new set of
Sumitomo radial tires and a replacement battery were
all that appeared to have been changed on the white
ZR-1.
I decided how much I would bid on the car, but
now there was a dilemma. The complete and original
exhaust system was going to be one of the first items to
be sold. Although I wanted the car, I would need to have
the original exhaust assembly. As things turned out, I
bought the exhaust system for a grand total of $61, but I
did not get the car.
Chevy, Lotus and Mercury Marine—oh my!
RPO ZR-1s have a unique spot in Corvette history.
After the 512 Callaway B2K twin-turbos built from 19871995
ZR-1
1990, Corvette needed to continue the positive performance push. The ZR-1s were
being designed as the Callaway cars were setting records for speed—up to 254 mph.
The powerplants were a collaborative effort between GM engineer Dave McClellan
and Lotus Engineering in England. The 350-ci, 4-bolt main blocks were Chevrolet on
the bottom and the 32-valve DOHC sequentially-injected top end was from Lotus. The
engines and transmissions were assembled in Stillwater, OK at Mercury Marine, and
the rest of the car was built in Bowling Green, KY. From 1990 through 1995, 6,922
were built.
LT-5 engines were generally bulletproof, starting with a 375 horsepower rating
from 1990 through '93, then 405 horsepower for the next two years.
Mark Haibeck, owner of Haibeck Automotive Technology in Addison, IL, makes his
living by tuning ZR-1 Corvettes to at least 500 horsepower. His company can get 600plus
horsepower out of these engines, but many of the internals have to be changed,
and longevity can be an issue.
Low-mileage performance Corvettes
The three cars from the Lewis Collection sold for very fair prices. Including buyer's
premium, the '91 and '93 were each $26,910, and the '95 brought $31,590. The 1995
ZR-1 was probably the best buy of the three cars, given its condition, provenance and
low miles.
It's no secret that many ZR-1s were driven lightly (if at all) by fussy owners who
considered them to be instant collectibles. The result is that today, it's fairly easy
to find one with very low miles. But I'd sooner buy one of these cars with several
thousand miles on the clock, like the white '95 here, rather than 1,000 or less. That
way, if anything went wrong as the engine was being broken in, it would have been
fixed on GM's dime.
While the car was under warranty, if something in the motor or transmission
broke, an option existed to have a new/rebuilt factory replacement sent to the dealer
for an exchange. Or Chevrolet would fix whatever was wrong and send it back to the
dealership to be replaced in the owner's car. The repair process generally took six
weeks, so many chose to have the exchanged powertrain installed rather than waiting.
The art and science of three good buys
Working on ZR-1s is both art and science, and many parts are expensive and dif-
ficult to find. However, a very large percentage of them are still running strong and
maintained in excellent condition inside and out.
The market isn't moving up on ZR-1s, but I think all three of these were well bought.
Think about it this way: for the price of a 2012 Camaro, you could own a great piece of
Corvette high-performance heritage that should hold its value for years to come—and
can quite readily go 180 miles an hour in 5th gear at 6,000 rpm.
These low-mileage, high-performance ZR-1 Corvettes may not be hot collectibles
right now, but they were good deals on this afternoon in Portland, OR—even though I
didn't get to steal one for my very own. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 31
Page 30
C5 profile
Indy Racing League Pace Car
Some folks are under the impression that pace cars from the Soap Box
Derby through the Indy 500 are still in demand
by B. Mitchell Carlson
2000 Chevrolet Corvette
Chassis number: 1G1YY22G2Y5110900
Car is complemented by a black leather interior and features a 360-degree strobe light
package as well as a Z51 suspension package—all items necessary to pace an IRL or
Daytona race. Never titled, it is still being offered on MSO and would make an excellent
addition to any collection.
T
CM Analysis This car, Lot 541, sold for $32,175, including buyer's premium, at
Auctions America by RM's Spring Auburn sale in Auburn, IN, on May
14, 2011.
Let's start with some very recent auction history:
This car caught the eye of Corvette Market's Kevin Coakley, who wrote it up for us
in his report from Auction America's Spring Auburn sale:
“5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Never titled, used as pace car at Rolex 24
Hours of Daytona. Flashing light electronics take up much of storage behind seat.
Good panel fit, loud stick-on graphics, clean engine bay with NAPA battery. Decent
interior.
“Bid to a no-sale price of $32,500 at Auctions America's Fort Lauderdale sale in
April 2011, then a $21k no-sale at Auctions America by RM's Carlisle sale the same
month. Price paid here seems like the current market.”
Now, when our subject car was seen at the 2011 Spring Carlisle auction:
“5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Original finish exhibits light crazing to front
of spoiler, small stress cracks in driver's door, and light loss to graphics on front
of hood. More than the expected wear to driver's seat, leather somewhat dry. Rear
32 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
his example was used as the pace car for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona
Endurance Race in 2001, according to the owner. The car features an aluminum
5.7-liter LS1 V8 that puts out 350 horsepower. Finished in the distinctive Indy
Racing League checkered-flag livery with yellow and white, this 2000 IRL Pace
Details
Years Produced 2000
Number Produced At least two (out of 18,113 coupes for
2000)
Original List Price $39,475
CM Valuation $24,200–$30,000
Tune-up $150
Stock DIS block $80
Chassis # Left side of the dashboard and right
frame rail near the radiator
Engine # Pad forward of cylinder head on right
Club
Corvette Club of America
P.O. Box 9879
Bowling Green, KY 42102
More www.corvetteclubofamerica.com
Alternatives
1993 and 1998 Indy Pace Car Edition
convertibles, 1999–2003 24 Hours of Le
Mans safety cars, 2003–04 Brickyard 400
Event Cars
CM Investment
Grade D
Page 31
Digital Bonus
CM
compartment houses numerous electronics and original racing harnesses from its
official duties. Engine bay not detailed but clean nonetheless.
“The pace car from the 2001 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, this Corvette must
have been on static display somewhere with signs on or around it stating ‘PLEASE
TOUCH.' It was reportedly still on its MSO, which kind of made its status more confusing.
Not really desirable as a driver example, there was not enough interest from
bidders to get it sold.”
Even more auction history
I've traced this car as selling at Barrett-Jackson's 2006 Palm Beach auction for
$48,600. That was when GM moved it out of their Heritage Collection, along with a
number of other event Corvettes, with the following notation:
“Paced an international field of world-class sports cars at the Rolex 24 Hours at
Daytona Endurance Race in 2001 and features a 350-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 LS1 aluminum
engine, Z51 suspension package designed for sanctioned racing competition
and a 360-degree strobe light package. GM and Barrett-Jackson make no warranty
or representation of any kind, expressed or implied, concerning the vehicle (including
on warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.)”
Barrett-Jackson also sold another 2000 Corvette that was said to be an IRL pace
car, VIN 1G1YY22G7Y5100024, described almost identically to our featured car, at
their 2007 Scottsdale auction for $44,000.
Pace car hoopla or hyperbole?
The 1978 Indy Pace Car Edition Corvette started all the hoopla on pace cars as
collectibles. Now in the 21st Century, some folks think that pace cars from the Soap
Box Derby through the Indy 500 are still in demand.
While we are used to seeing any one of a number of pace car variants pop up at
almost every collector car auction, it's the non-standard pace cars that seem to be
something of a crapshoot. We can easily look up the values on any factory-issued Indy
Pace Car Corvette in any price guide out there, but it's not so cut and dry for other
pace, track, festival, or event cars.
As stated, this example was used to pace the 2001 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. It
was also pictured in a 2002 press release from Chevrolet when the 2002 Indy Pace Car
and 50th Anniversary Corvette package was announced (see my report in Corvette
Market 14, p. 34). In this same press release, it also stated that a Corvette was also the
IRL pace car for an undefined number of events on the 2002 IRL calendar.
While it's possible that another C5 was dolled up in exactly the same fashion, it's
also possible that it was our subject car—or the 2007 Barrett-Jackson example. There
were 8,916 miles on the clock of our featured car, so it could have gone around several
tracks several times. When researching the car, the most information I could find were
its track record and auction appearances.
The graphics on our featured car are virtually the same style used by the 1999 and
2000 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona—although the Y2K edition was in blue rather than
yellow. The same graphic scheme was also used on the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans
Safety Cars in France, with documented examples all but identical and with red and
blue in lieu of yellow. However, the red cars that I've seen are usually hard tops.
Needless to say, GM had a bunch of these Corvettes done up with this broad check-
erboard graphic with a white beak—or the paint and graphics shop was working
overtime redoing a smaller fleet of cars.
At least it's not a hybrid
To muddy the waters even further, an Oldsmobile Aurora was the usual pace car
during the 2001 IRL season.
Exceptions were the Indy 500 that year (paced by a 2002 Olds Bravada SUV), and
when Corvettes took over pace car duties in October 2001 at the Texas Speedway
event.
Olds was going down for the count in 2002, so it makes sense that GM would switch
all pace car duties to the Corvette—after all, it's the highest-profile vehicle offered by
the automaker.
If our featured car really was the 2002 season pace car, why not use a new 2002
Corvette instead of a 2-year-old example? Perhaps this was due to having at least one
older pace car sitting around the division with no better use, as true pace cars couldn't
be sold through the dealer network—even as a perk or VIP car.
While these Corvettes are not overly unique, at least they are more exciting than
the last few years of the IRL's latest pace/safety cars, which were chosen to placate the
Greenie Weenie crowd—Honda Accord hybrids.
On the MSO for a reason
We see a number of “instant collectibles” on the
market and at auction that are hyped up as being “on
the MSO,” or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin. In
essence, a retail buyer will never see an MSO, as this
document is generated from the manufacturer to be
submitted to a state's licensing department to get a title
for a vehicle.
However, in the world of collector cars, MSOs have
almost become the mark of a mint, uncirculated car—
akin to having a coin or comic book sealed in a protective
casing and professionally rated as a collectible.
But an MSO is anything but that. All an MSO means is
that the car hasn't been titled—and a never-been-titled
car and a perfect-condition car are not necessarily one
and the same. I've seen quite a few of the earlier noted
1978 Corvette Pace Cars that are “on the MSO,” but
they have unwound from aging and less-than-perfect
storage. Many of those cars would now rate as number
3 or even 4 condition.
Now that our subject car is not a current-production
vehicle, it may not be a slam-dunk to even get a title—
especially if it's not submitted to the DMV by a dealer.
Indeed, taking an MSO down to the local DMV office
will probably involve a conversation with the district
manager for the state's DMV, as you explain your case.
However, for this car, there may be another reason
that it was not titled—it may not be eligible to be titled.
When GM released the car at the Barrett-Jackson auction
in 2006, both GM and Barrett-Jackson used enough
legal phraseology to absolve themselves from any future
issues resulting from any inability to get the car street
legal.
When GM sold the car at the 2006 Palm Beach
auction, no mention was made that an MSO would be
provided, and CM did not actually see a copy of said
MSO any time it was at auction. Was it actually a true
MSO—or was it just a bill of sale on GM letterhead that
had the car's VIN on it—stating that it cannot be titled
and used on the highway?
At least the auction house's estimate of $30k to $40k
was correct. If you're able to drop $33k without any
concern about being able to drive a late-model car on
the road—and just have it as a spendy garage ornament
or private museum piece—you are a realistic buyer for
the car. If you stick a dealer plate on it just beware of a
VIN check at a routine traffic stop. Your IRL Pace Car
might end up at the impound yard. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Auctions
America by RM)
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 33
Page 32
C6 profile
by B. Mitchell Carlson
V8 equipped with an intercooled, four-lobe Eaton Twin
Vortices Series supercharger, which increased power
from the factory rating of 638 to an astounding 710
horses. It has participated in the Hot Rod Power Tour,
Corvette Funfest, and the Texas Mile event of October
22–24, 2010, at the Goliad Texas Airport—with a best
run of 185.9 mph.
2010 Grand Sport Callaway convertible,
Lot S120, sold at $84,800, including buyer's
premium, at Mecum St. Charles
Chassis number: 1G1YS3DW7A5105287
Editor's note: This month, we've asked B. Mitchell Carlson to take a look at three
C6 Corvettes that recently sold—and pick what he believes was the best deal. Here
are the cars:
2007 Z06 coupe, Lot S53, sold for $42,400, including buyer's
premium, at Mecum St. Charles
Chassis number: 1G1YY26E775107370
• All original
• No repairs
• Original owner
• All available options
• Triple Black
• Hand-built 505 horsepower engine
• New tires
• Heads-up cockpit display and gauges
• Power steering and brakes
• On-board GPS and Bose sound system
• Air conditioning
• Push-button start
• Satellite radio
• Factory Z06 mats
• 95% of miles on odometer are from trips
• All original purchase documents, manuals and maintenance records
2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter coupe, Lot S166, sold for $74,200, including
buyer's premium, at Mecum Indianapolis
Chassis number: N/A
Just as the 2009 Corvette ZR1 made automotive history as the most powerful auto-
mobile ever sold by General Motors, famed Corvette masters Lingenfelter Performance
Engineering stepped in and took it over the top. Serial number 6 of 1,415 produced,
this ZR1 is powered by the original, numbers-matching 6.2-liter LS9 aluminum-block
34 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
• Corvette Grand Sport convertible
• 6-speed manual transmission
• LS3 6.2-liter engine
• Exhaust dual mode
• Chrome aluminum wheels
• Navigation system
• Black convertible top
• Victory Red fender stripe
Z15 Grand Sport heritage package, which includes
two-tone leather seats, logo embroidery in headrests,
fender stripe with hash mark design.
The car's preferred equipment group includes: Bose
premium speaker system, heads-up display, power telescoping
steering wheel, heated seats, memory package,
universal home remote, adjustable sport bucket seats
with six-way power, cargo net, Bluetooth compatible
and power convertible top.
CM Analysis This trio of C6 Corvettes represents three
ways of taking high performance to the
next step. One car—the 2007 Z06—is bone stock from
GM, and the other two are from leading tuners of C6
Corvettes. And, in this case, I actually saw all three cars
cross the block at their respective sales, so I have a feel
for all of them.
So, what gives with each car?
In the case of the 2007 Z06, it was a year past its
reintroduction. It was, at that time, the highest echelon
of stock performance from GM. Chevrolet super-sized
the 6.0-L LS2 engine to a historically familiar 427 cubic
inches, and it became the LS7. The Z06 was the easiest
way to up the ante for a Corvette buyer in search of
higher performance, as these were factory-built cars.
All that was required was writing a larger check at the
showroom. It was also fully covered by the factory warranty
at any Chevy dealer in the country.
A Selection of C6s that sold recently on eBay
2007 Z06 Coupe, 2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter Coupe,
2010 Grand Sport Callaway Convertible
You really couldn't go terribly wrong with any of these three—perhaps one
or two have an edge, but it's hard to walk away from 710 horses
Mecum Auctions
Page 33
Digital Bonus
CM
This was a well-cared-for, well-equipped Corvette. If you really want to pickle it
for 25 years, it would be a Bloomington Gold Survivor, which is something a tuner car
may not become. All this is pretty simple, but what if 505 horses are not enough? Time
for the aftermarket tuners.
The 2009 Lingenfelter ZR1
Our next example ups the ante for stock performance—even after stock GM
performance was already super-sized. The 2009 ZR1—Corvette's third use of that
moniker—used an all-new LS9 engine, which was similar to the LS3 engine, but was
fitted with dry-sump oiling as well as a supercharger and intercooler. These changes
combined to deliver a tire-frying 638 horses.
Almost as fast as these ZR1s came out off the Bowling Green, KY, assembly line, the
aftermarket had to take a shot at tweaking them.
Our example was perhaps the first modern ZR1 to be in the hands of a tuner—as
it was the sixth ZR1 to be built (per the unit sequence number). Lingenfelter increased
performance by tweaking the car rather than heavily modifying it.
The tweaks included stouter supercharger components and increased boost, a
revised cold-air intake, and a remapping of the engine's computer. These changes
coaxed out a whopping 710 ponies, which was good enough to go from 0–185.9 mph
when this car competed in the 2010 Texas Mile.
The ZR1 is so good out of the box, this Corvette is almost a case of trying to come
up with excuses to change anything on the car for the sake of changing it. While our
subject car's runs at the Texas Mile and participation on 2010's Hot Rod Magazine's
Power Tour might put off some folks, the car did not give the impression that it was
run hard and put away wet.
As far as future collectibility, at Mecum's Indy auction in May, I watched two
Callaway tuned C4 ZR-1s do equal money with a low-mile, bone-stock example—all
from the same estate. As they say in Stock Portfolio Land, past performance can't
equal future returns, but that's not a bad track record for a nameplate that is the top
echelon of performance for two of the last three Corvette generations.
2010 Grand Sport Callaway
Finally, the 2010 Grand Sport Callaway demonstrates that some will still want more
personalization. Specified as the SC606 for Grand Sports, the Callaway modifications
are a $21,395 package—plus $1,100 for the optional ChromeCoat supercharger finish.
Actually, this car was relatively sparsely equipped for a Callaway—even with at least
$22,495 on top of the roughly $70,000 price of admission for the stock Grand Sport
convertible with navigation. Yes, this was pretty much the equivalent of a phantom
ZR1 drop top for just shy of ZR1 money, and the very-well -finished (and well-covered
by their warranty packages) Callaway modifications talk up the exclusivity factor. But
casual observers (non-Corvette people) will think it's just another C6.
To bump it up into a more personalized car with an interior, brake, suspension,
and/or/plus wheel package, you've just overshot a ZR1's price. Also, if you don't live in
an area with a Callaway authorized dealer, the current warranty this car still has can
be more of a hindrance than added prestige (although in the Chicago area—where this
auction was conducted—this is a non-issue).
At least the seller did fairly well here, as the Callaway cachet kept the usual depreciation
of a C6 in check—for now. While the Callaway conversion paid for itself
in less depreciation (as a stock 2010 Grand Sport is a
$55k to $59k car sitting on a lot), don't fantasize that in
five years that it will even be a $50k car—if it is used to
any extent.
History shows us this: The C4 Callaway Twin Turbo
was a factory option from 1987 through 1991, and their
values have since fared better than an average C4, but
they are generally on par with a ZR1. Later Callaway
Corvettes have generally continued this trend.
Still, as a longer-term relationship for someone who
wants the next best thing to a ZR1 with a soft top and the
peace of mind of a warranty, this is not a bad way to fly.
After this car was hammered sold, a couple of guys near
my seat groused that someone paid way over retail for
a Grand Sport.
This would be true if the car was bone stock (but not
by much). But this is a well-bought Corvette, considering
that it was a Callaway-finished car that would've
almost hit six digits when new.
Bang for the buck versus 710 horsepower
While you really can't go terribly wrong with any of
the three cars, my open-checkbook choice would be the
Lingenfelter ZR1. It had almost everything going for it:
The future collectibility of a ZR1 (the sixth car built is an
added bonus), and an industry leader only moderately
tweaked it from stock. And, and while there's some depreciation
in the future, it won't depreciate as much as
the Grand Sport Callaway.
Finally, the ZR1 was the big dog in the horsepower
race, with 710 ponies.
However, for the cash-strapped, the Z06 represented
a good value if you couldn't afford the other two cars.
It had the best “bang for the buck” ratio of horsepower
to price.
The Z06 was $83.96 per unit of horsepower, the ZR1
checked in at $104.50, and the Callaway was a spendy
$139.93 per unit of horsepower. Also, unlike the tuner
cars, the Z06 is Bloomington Gold eligible—if you keep
it in pristine condition. While it is still depreciating, the
Z06 also has already taken a more sizeable hit than the
other two cars. However, the race is rarely won by the
thriftiest competitor, so I'll still stick with the ZR1. It's
hard to beat 710 horsepower in a near-stock appearing,
well-tuned package. ■
(Introductory descriptions courtesy of Mecum
Auctions.)
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 35
Page 34
Market Report
Overview
Summer Corvette Sales Bring $15m
Corvette values held strong from May through the end of June, with rare
C3s bringing the highest prices
By Jim Pickering
auction block at locations from Bloomington Gold in St.
Charles, IL, to our hometown of Portland, OR. Values
held firm for all generations of Corvette, with rare, documented
examples again bringing the highest prices.
Mecum's 25th Annual Spring Classic auction took
T
place in mid-May, and this year, it cemented its place
as one of the country's largest classic car auctions, with
over 2,000 individual cars for sale. The event grew
by a day this year, and the number of cars on offer required
expansion into another building on the Indiana
State Fairgrounds. Senior Auction Analyst B. Mitchell
Carlson was there to report on the 229 Corvettes available,
and of them, 162 were sold for a combined total
of $7m. The top Corvette sale of the weekend went
to a 1969 L88 coupe in Fathom Green. From the Paul
Dehnert Estate Collection, it was offered at no reserve,
selling for $222,600.
Barrett-Jackson returned to Orange County, CA, for
the second time in late June—this time moving 330 cars
for a total of $13.4m. A total of 24 Corvettes were offered,
and of them, 23 sold for a combined $1m. Senior
Auction Analyst Carl Bomstead was there as Corvettes
were crossing the block, noting a well-documented
1969 L89 convertible in Riverside Gold to be the high
Corvette sale of the event at $121,000. But you didn't
need to spend six figures to get a good car, as a 1976
coupe with a custom 406-ci small block and a 4-speed
sold for just $11,000—not a bad deal for a good cruiser
in decent condition.
Bloomington Gold
CM 1–6 Scale
Condition Rating:
1: National concours
standard/perfect
2: Very good, club
concours, some
small flaws
3: Average daily driver
in decent condition
4: Still a driver but with
some apparent
flaws
5: A nasty beast that
runs but has many
problems
6: Good only for parts
is
one of the premier Corvette
events of the year, and the
Mecum auction held alongside
Bloomington judging
tends to draw some very
high-quality
This year's event took
place in late
119 of 244 Corvettes selling
for a combined total
of just under $6m. Carlson
was joined here by Dan
Grunwald, and they both
found the quality of cars to
be quite high, which is on
36 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
he summer months always bring a boost in Corvette
sales across the U.S, and from May through the
end of June, CM's analysts watched the market
carefully, tracking trends as Corvettes crossed the
Top Ten Sales This Issue
1. 1971 Corvette 454/425 convertible,
$434,600—Lot S99, p. 47
2. 1969 Corvette L88 427/430
coupe, $222,600—Lot S134, p. 58
3. 1958 Corvette 283/250 Fuelie
convertible, $151,050—Lot S68,
p. 40
4. 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible,
$140,450—Lot S76, p. 46
5. 1967 Corvette 427/435 L89 coupe,
$124,020—Lot T232, p. 57
6. 1967 Corvette 427/400 convertible, $121,900—Lot S115, p. 46
7. 1958 Corvette 283/270 convertible, $116,600—Lot S90, p. 42
8. 1966 Corvette 427/425 convertible, $111,300—Lot S87, p. 44
9. 1957 Corvette 283/245 convertible, $101,760—Lot S85, p. 40
10. 1957 Corvette 283/283 Fuelie convertible, $99,450—Lot 139, p. 68
Best Buys
1. 1958 Corvette 283/290 Fuelie coupe,
$87,450—Lot S219.1, p. 56
2. 1987 Corvette Callaway Twin Turbo
convertible, $22,790—Lot S60, p. 80
3. 1992 Corvette 350/300 coupe,
$14,310—Lot S112, p. 48
4. 1995 Corvette ZR-1 5.7/405 coupe,
$31,590—Lot 188, p.82
5. 1965 Corvette 327/365 coupe,
$69,960—Lot W229.1, p. 57
Corvettes.
June, with
par with the standards set here in past years. Quite a few surviving originals were on
offer this year, as well as a collection of 23 black Corvettes. The high sale of the event
went to a 1971 Corvette ZR2 convertible at $434,600.
Auctions America by RM, MidAmerica, VanDerBrink, and Silver Auctions all
featured auctions with Corvettes as well. And in CM's own backyard, Bonhams &
Butterfields' sale of the Wally Lewis Collection saw ten Corvettes sell, led by a 1957
283/283 Fuelie at $99,450. This month's Roundup section, starting on p. 68, covers
these cars, as well as many more.
The market remains a robust place for both buyers and sellers, but the key is still
documentation, so if you're buying, look for cars with as much paperwork as possible.
And if you're selling, be sure to display all the docs you have with your car. You'll be
glad you did.
Page 36
Market
Report Mecum
St. Charles, IL
Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction
If you wanted a black Corvette, this was your sale, as a special
collection of 23 were offered from 1954 to 1969
Company
Mecum Auctions
Date
June 24–25, 2011
Location
St. Charles, IL
Auctioneers
Mark Delzell, Mike
Hagerman, Bob
McGlothlen, Jim Landis
and Matt Moravec
Corvettes sold/offered
119/244 (49%)
Corvette sales total
$5,929,185
Corvette high sale
1971 Corvette ZR2 convertible,
sold at $434,600
Buyer's premium
Any color you want, as long as it's black
Intro by Dan Grunwald, report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson and
Dan Grunwald
Market opinions in italics
L
uck prevailed again in Northern Illinois for this year's Bloomington Gold auction,
as the harsh weather that passed through Chicago on the Tuesday before the
event missed the Pheasant Run Lodge completely. Numerous Chicago suburbs
were still without power on Friday, which was the first sale day in St. Charles.
Throughout the preview hours on Thursday and Friday, there were overcast skies
with cool temperatures and occasional light sprinkles. But as always, nothing seem
edto dampen the enthusiasm of the Corvette-only crowds—who wait all year for this
celebration of America's sports car.
The star collection of this sale was a no-reserve collection of 23 black Corvettes
from model years 1954 to 1969, with cars from that time frame representing each
year black was available as a factory color
from GM. Mecum advertised the cars heavily,
and the collection even had special treatment
on the way from its storage location to the
auction site at Pheasant Run Lodge, with a
police escort and parade-style speeds through
nearby St. Charles on the Thursday before the
auction.
The Friday sale started a bit slow, with
Mecum Sales Total
the Mecum team working hard to earn their
money and using every trick in the book to extract
bids from the crowd in the auction tent.
Despite the slow start, the event did pick up,
especially as the Saturday sale started—the
quality of the consignments improved and the
money flowed much more freely. The muchpublicized
black collection crossed the block
on Saturday, selling for an aggregate hammer
38 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
$12m
$10m
$8m
$6m
$4m
$2m
0
price of $1.6m.
I cannot stress enough the quality of the cars offered
for sale here. It was difficult to find anything below a
number 2 car, and several of the cars I rated at a number
3 or below were indeed rare “Survivor”-quality examples,
rating as a 3 based on condition, but also bringing
six-figure prices due to their unrestored originality. By
the time the last car crossed the block, sales totals had
reached nearly $6m—a comfortable increase over last
year's $4.8m.
The high sale of the event went to a 1971 Corvette
ZR2 convertible, thought to be one of two, which made
$434,600. Other notable sales included a 1958 Corvette
283/250 that made $151,050, a 1954 Corvette roadster
that brought $74,200, and a 1962 Corvette 327/360 Big
Brake Fuelie that sold at $90,100 (see the C1 profile, p.
24).
The sheer size of the Mecum organization and
the number of cars they sell every month makes this
“Corvette Only” sale a minute part of their repertoire.
But the dedication and work that were shown here were
on the scale of any of the company's larger sales, and
the quality of consignments was also top notch. There
isn't any other place in the world where you can see this
many fine and rare Corvettes in one place at one time,
so if you feel a tug of desire for or even a light interest in
America's Sports Car, then you must visit Bloomington
Gold at least once in your life. ■
$300 up to $5,499; $500
from $5,500 to $9,999; 6%
thereafter, included in
sold prices
2011
2007
2008
2009
2010
2006
2005
2004
2003
Page 38
Market
Report Mecum
St. Charles, IL
C1
Best Buy #S104-1954 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE roadster. S/N E54S002260.
Copper
Metallic/tan
leather. Odo: 75,187
miles. 235-ci 155-hp I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. New
custom paint and interior. Fresh chrome and
windshield glass. Said to have a numbersmatching
engine. Rebuilt and rewired to stock
AT $95,000. Flawless. What other Corvette
commands a premium because of a base engine?
Not enough money to change hands.
#S20-1956 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N VE56S002468.
Black/black/red vinyl. Odo: 26,300 miles. 265ci
210-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Numerous paint
preparation flaws and wavy side panels. Weak
245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Body-off restoration
in 2011 with lacquer repaint. New interior and
chrome. NCRS regional Top Flight in 2011.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $91,160. Probably not
the best year to sell a black Corvette at no reserve,
but this car sold the day before the
“Black Corvette Collection,” and the quality
was better. A respectable price.
#S16-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S101891. Red/beige/red
vinyl. Odo: 4 miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4bbl,
3-sp. Newer paint with some thin areas
and touch-ups visible. All chrome and trims are
good. Some cracks in weatherstripping on
configuration. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $44,520.
An unusual '54 with custom touches that still
remained relatively factory stock, offered at no
reserve. This had to be the bargain of the sale.
The new owner can keep it custom or return it
to bone stock without too much trouble.
#S19-1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N VE55S001569.
Black/beige/beige vinyl. Odo: 49,212 miles.
265-ci 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fresh black
paint shows a few edge chips. Chrome peeling
off rechromed side spear. Pitting on windshield
surround, wiper scratches on glass. Visible
rear chrome and side-window chrome. Variable
panel gaps. Pitted air cleaner and damage on
distributor cover. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $71,020.
Part of the “Black Corvette Collection”. I
thought this had a bit of a “fluff-and-buff” vibe
going on, but it apparently worked. Sold well.
TOP 10
No. 9
#S85-1957 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
E57S104412. Cascade
Green/cream
vinyl. Odo: 39,585 miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8,
2x4-bbl, auto. Presents well from ten feet and
only looks better the closer you get. Triple
windshield. Some cracking on steering wheel.
Nicely detailed engine and interior. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $82,680. I would guess this fewyears-old
restoration that was just now losing
some edge. Still a show car or very high end
driver. This was the one to buy. Well bought
and sold.
#S106-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S100010. Cascade
Green/green hard top/beige vinyl. Odo: 11
miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 3-sp.
Windshield trim misfits and heavy scratch on
right-side window frame. Body-off restored in
paint run on dash under radio. Very dirty top.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $79,500. Said to be one of
15 black Corvettes built in 1955. Part of the
collection of black Corvettes featured and offered
at no reserve. Fairly bought and sold.
#S102-1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E55S001229. Red/beige/beige
vinyl. Odo: 4 miles. 235-ci 155-hp V8, 3x1bbl,
auto. Looks factory-new in all around.
Unusual 6-cylinder from 1955, when 695 were
built with V8s, and only seven were Blue
Flame 6-cylinder cars. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD
Crown in 2007 and still shows better than new
from the factory. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $101,760.
Only possible criticism would be over-restoration,
but if you wanted perfection, this was it.
Hammered at $96,000 and broke the six-figure
mark with the added 6% commission. Top
price paid and worth every penny.
#F76-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S100460. Black/black
hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 49,372 miles. 283-ci
2009. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT $250,000. The
serial #10 pilot car built in August of 1956 for
the 1957 model year. An important and historic
Corvette that just didn't bring enough important
and historical money to sell today.
TOP 10
No. 3
#S68-1958 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
J58S101627. Black/black hard top/red
40 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
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St. Charles, IL
vinyl. Odo: 72 miles. 283-ci 250-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. New paint, chrome, and interior.
Hard top only. Radio and heater delete.
Said to be a three-owner car with original
California pink slip. Small cracks in both taillight
lenses. 99.6% Duntov Award in 2008.
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $151,050. A high-level
restoration, confirmed by the final price paid.
Well bought and well sold.
TOP 10
No. 7
#S90-1958 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
J58S104339. Blue/blue/blue
vinyl.
Odo: 454 miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl,
4-sp. No visible flaws in paint, engine, or inte-
top/black vinyl. Odo: 96,686 miles. 283-ci
230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Rough paint. Most
chrome and trims pitted, worn, dented, and/or
or scratched. Windshield trim stuck on with
putty. Fiberglass cracks by hood hinges. Chips
in windshield. Seats sag, dash dull and dirty.
N.O.M. with trim parts missing. Cond: 4+.
SOLD AT $38,160. The solid frame on this car
meant that it would make a good base with lots
of possibilities, given enough time and money.
But at the price paid, it'll have to be a labor of
love. Well sold.
#S84-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N 20867S107443.
Black/white/silver vinyl. Odo: 46,464 miles.
327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Dust visible
in fresh paint in numerous places. Some
waviness in chrome on windshield-surround.
Dents in grille trim in the usual places.
Odo: 69,571 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Light paint chips all over with a touch-up
on top left front fender. Heavy paint bubbling
and cracks in driver's door jamb area. Some
chrome and trim
scratches. N.O.M. Local
Wisconsin car. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $45,580.
This honest driver seemed to start and run
well. Both buyer and seller should be smiling.
rior. Has a couple of small grille-surround
dents. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $116,600. The best
examples of early cars continue to bring strong
money. This was another beautiful restoration
that left the seller smiling.
#S58-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S107486. Blue/blue hard
top/red vinyl. Odo: 42,135 miles. 283-ci 245hp
V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. All new chrome. Deep
paint scratch on right cove. Trunk lid fits high.
#S64-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S117437. Silver/white
vinyl/red leather. Odo: 68,611 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A showroom-new car
with solid-closing doors and tight-fitting top
and side glass. Well restored, new paint, all
new chrome and
trim. Some chips
and
Equipped with optional fuel injection, 4-speed,
and heavy-duty brakes. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$90,100. Small details and quality of paint
were all that kept this from a being a #1 car. All
things considered, fairly bought and sold. See
the profile p. 22.
#S17-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N O867S100461.
Yellow/black/black vinyl. Odo: 16,485 miles.
327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older paint
shows chips, cracks, and some color mismatch.
Chrome has scratches and pitting. Dash pad
pulling loose in front, and steering wheel has
ground-down spots and cracks. Newer top has
Some heavy dents in hard top trim. New interior,
light pitting on some interior chrome
trims. Detailed engine bay. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$68,900. One of many two-top cars offered at
BG this year. Sold at a market price for condition.
#S14-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S102564. Red/red hard
tear on driver's side. Clean engine with dents
in air cleaner. Undercoated. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $32,860. This colorful driver was now
starting to wear thin. Considering that it
needed a bit of love and money, price paid was
fair.
C2
#S47-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S102134. Red/black leather.
42 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
scratches on original windshield. New leather
interior, power windows. On original alloy
wheels. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $80,560. This
beautiful '64 had lots of original documents
including window sticker, warranty book, and
bill of sale. It was done right and brought a big
price. Well sold.
#S52-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S110474. Ermine
White/silver vinyl. Odo: 96,190 miles. 327-ci
365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Some stone chips on
side and rear glass, light misfits on trim.
Dealer-installed factory side pipes. With a/c
and tinted glass. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $50,880.
Ermine White was the second most popular
color in 1964, but you don't see that many of
them today. It looks great with the tinted glass
on a coupe. Fairly bought for an a/c car with
365 ponies.
Page 42
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St. Charles, IL
#S70-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N 194675S119164. Rally
Red/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 6 miles.
396-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh restoration
to high level with new lacquer paint. Side
glass has light scratches, one paint chip on
IL, November 1997 (CM# 22089). Fair price
paid today for this Bloomington Gold and
NCRS Triple Crown award-winner.
#S93-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N 194676S125425.
Green/green hard top/black vinyl. Odo: 8,868
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Some
light paint preparation flaws, including touchup
on right front fender. Delamination starting
on front glass. Crease in right rear bumper
chrome. New interior with heavy pitting at
shifter opening. Teak wheel, power windows,
42,493 miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
NCRS Top Flight, Bloomington Gold Survivor,
and Benchmark awards. Paint cracks and
chips. A couple of trim dents on the windshield
surround and hard top drip rails. Engine shows
as non-restored original. Original Goldline
Tires. Equipped with both hard and soft tops.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $130,000. This was
a really good car, but where does the seller
plan to take it to get more? The final bid had to
be close.
#S82-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
driver's door. Earned regional Top Flight in
2011. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $91,160. This beautiful
Corvette looked better than showroomnew
and was one of only a few 396/425 cars at
the auction. Priced accordingly.
#S66-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S104794. Silver Pearl/black
vinyl. Odo: 70,901 miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Fresh paint with liberal use of
masking tape. Headliner falling loose, some
marginal interior trim installation. Leather, au-
a/c, and sidepipes. Excellent engine compartment.
Duntov Award sticker on windshield.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $130,000. Last
seen a year ago at Mecum's 2010 Bloomington
Gold sale, where it was a $145,000 no-sale
(CM# 164753). This was a really nice a/c car,
but with the small-block powerplant, the high
bid should've been enough.
#S80-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S121209. Blue/black
vinyl/black leather. Odo: 3,444 miles. 350-ci
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Fitted with 350 crate
engine and aluminum radiator with electric
fan. New paint and top. Newer radio and new
engine temperature gauge under dash. Some
light patina on leather driver's seat. Scratches
tomatic, and power steering, brakes, and windows.
Modern a/c added. Base 250-hp engine.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $41,340. If you don't plan
on racing other Corvettes, then this was your
car. A pleasant sunny-day cruiser that your
wife will enjoy driving as well. Well sold.
#S82-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S119425. Red/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 492 miles. 427-ci 425hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Very nice paint shows a few
flaws at base of soft top. Small dent in windshield
header trim. Telescopic steering wheel.
Side exhaust. Alloy wheels and Goldline tires.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $80,560. Last sold for
on glove box door and inside of driver's side
glass. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $50,880. Started life
as a base-engine 327 and now restomodded for
more power and reliability. A solid summer
driver that should bring many happy days for
the new owner. Well bought and sold.
#S77-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S112970. Blue/blue
hard top/black soft top/black leather. Odo:
scratches and scratched trim on windshield.
Non-original 1969 L72 engine. Cond: 2. NOT
SOLD AT $45,000. It wasn't perfect, but this
looked like a very nice driver. Some might consider
the N.O.M. engine an upgrade, but not
here and not today.
$92,400 At Mecum's Bloomington Gold sale in
2007 (CM# 45516). Ten years earlier, sold for
$46,988 at Mecum's sale in Arlington Heights,
44 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
TOP 10
No. 8
#S87-1966 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194676S115610. Rally
Red/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 11 miles. 427-ci 425-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent high-level restoration
S/N 194676S119425.
Red/black/black vinyl. Odo: 492 miles. 427-ci
425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. NCRA Top Flight,
Triple Crown, and Bloomington Gold (98.8%)
judging sheets. Paint crack on both front corners
by hood. Paint, interior and engine otherwise
exceptional.
Factory side exhaust,
telescopic wheel, and power antenna. Offered
at no reserve. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $80,560.
Sold for $46,988 at Mecum's 1997 Arlington
Heights, IL, sale (CM# 22089). Sold more recently
at Bloomington Gold 2007 for $92,400,
where our reporter wrote, “The seller should
be smiling” (CM# 45516). Selling price today
confirmed the truth of that statement.
#F55-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S113278. Nassau
Blue/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 24,165
427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Newer paint
looks a bit too blue for factory Nassau color.
Some pitting on vent window frames. Wiper
Page 44
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St. Charles, IL
nality of this two-owner car was confirmed by
Bloomington Gold Survivor and Silver
Certification Awards. Seller was right to hold
out for at least another 20k.
TOP 10
No. 6
#S115-1967 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194677S116417. Maroon/black fabric
with no visible flaws or misfits. Very bright
paint and sidepipes make for tons of eyeball.
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $111,300. A mid-year resale
red convertible with big block and 4-speed
with no flaws. How do you beat that? Well sold.
TOP 10
No. 4
#S76-1967 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194677S116383. Maroon/maroon hard
top/black vinyl. Odo: 67,719 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Lots of age-cracking
and checking in what appears to be mostly
original paint. Driver's seat torn. Some interior
paint weak. Engine bay shows as unrestored.
On original Kelsey-Hayes wheels.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $140,450.
top, headrests, and soft top. With tank sticker
and shipping data report. Earned NCRS Top
Flight in 2009. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $121,900.
This had all the right stuff and was re-done
correctly and with high quality. Market price
for a no-questions car.
coupe. S/N 194377S109251. Silver
Pearl/black/black
#S88-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
vinyl. Odo: 62,325 miles.
427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. All new
chrome and interior. Couple of visible paint
prep flaws. Some front glass chips. Optioned
with a/c, 400-hp engine, tinted glass, headrest
A Survivor-quality car with matching hard top.
Last appeared at Mecum's 2009 Bloomington
Gold sale, where it was bid to $170k and not
sold (CM# 120944). The seller obviously
should've taken the money then, but not a terrible
transaction today. Well bought and sold.
#S107-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S114027. Blue/blue. Odo:
89,333 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp.
Mostly original paint shows cracks, chips, and
nicks absolutely everywhere. Large separation
cracks on both sides at top of A pillar. Chrome
worn through on rear bumper, but trims look
good and dent-free. Quite nice original interior.
seats, transistor ignition, and power steering,
brakes, and windows. No hubcaps. Said to be
original, documented-mile car with tank sticker
to confirm options. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT
$170,000. Very high level restoration to original
factory specs with great options. It was one
of the stars of the sale, but just didn't quite pull
the required dollars.
C3
#F114-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N 194670D724255.
Engine shows age and some re-taped wiring.
Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $75,000. The origi-
46 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Maroon/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 4,401
miles. 427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Tear in
driver's seat. Newer radio and later-model tilt
and telescopic steering column and wheel.
Sidepipes with good chrome. Power brakes,
power steering, and a/c. Engine washed but not
Immaculate original interior, with just a nice
hint of old car smell. Optional L46 350/350,
4-speed, 4.11 Positraction, sidepipes, and AM/
FM radio. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $36,570. After
the consignor purchased the car, he took it to
the same shop that had maintained it since
new. When the new owner had the smog pump
put back onto the motor, the owner of the shop
noted that he originally removed it right after
the car was sold new in 1969. Benchmarkready
for next year's Bloomington Gold. As
such, it was bought well.
#F39-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
LT-1 convertible. S/N 194671S108894. Mille
Miglia Red/red hard top/black soft top/red
leather. Odo: 94,753 miles. 350-ci 330-hp V8,
hard top/Saddle leather. Odo: 14 miles. 427-ci
400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. New lacquer paint in
2009. Optional a/c, leather, power brakes,
power steering, telescopic wheel, vinyl hard
detailed. High polish alternator. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $31,800. Originally a blue car, now
painted a later Corvette red color. Deep paint
and shiny sidepipes made for lots of eyeball,
which probably explains how it sold so well.
#S71-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S713601. LeMans
Blue/blue hard top & black vinyl soft top/black
vinyl. Odo: 23,664 miles. 350-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. One owner until 2009, still with all
original drivetrain components, paint, ProtectO-Plate,
and tank sticker. Windshield starting
to delaminate along passenger's side. Runs out
quite well. Light flash rust on most uncoated
engine bay components, chassis and undercarriage
heavily surface-rusted overall.
Page 45
4-bbl, 4-sp. New chrome. Scratches on side
glass. Shiny paint with numerous flaws on
hood. Crack on dash top. Clean engine. Cond:
2. SOLD AT $29,680. One of the most desirable
C3s built, with plenty of power from its
solid-lifter small block. And it was a convertible
with both tops. Well sold.
TOP 10
No. 1
#S99-1971 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194671S117850. Ontario Orange /or-
ange hard top/black vinyl soft top/black vinyl.
Odo: 21,033 miles. 454-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Restored by Naber Brothers and owned
by a veritable who's-who of Corvettedom.
Feature display at Bloomington Gold in 1999
and 2003, plus on special display at NCM in
2000. Paint masking around body tag and door
latch hardware not as good as I'd expect on
such an outstanding restoration. Virtually concours-ready
as it sits. As confirmed by original
sponding clamps not OEM. Mostly original
paint, with some panels blended in and others
showing moderate crazing.
Original seats
heavily soiled. Optional 454, M21 4-speed,
a/c, rear window defogger, power steering and
windows, and tilt/telescopic steering column.
Rally wheels still shod with original Firestone
Parnelli Jones bias-ply tires (a bit ironic, as
Parnelli is a Ford man). Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD
AT $31,500. This car had basically been
parked for most of its existence since being
purchased by its second owner in 1976. Before
that owner sold the car in 2003, he had it detailed,
touched up as needed, and the motor
gone through. At that time, it had 36,831 miles
on it. A nice example of a mostly original bigblock,
4-speed chrome bumper car, it was a
no-sale on the block, though a deal was supposed
to be in the works afterward with an
SCM Platinum subscriber.
#S117-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67W2S509213. Classic
White/black vinyl soft top/black leather. Odo:
80,343 miles. 454-ci 270-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Better quality older repaint over good body
prep. Rear door gap quite wide and uneven.
Show-quality bumper replate, and well aligned
to body. Excellent mostly original interior
tank sticker, equipped with optional ZR2 454
engine package, M22 4-speed, 3.55
Positraction, F41 suspension, power brakes,
and hard top. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $434,600.
One of two ZR2 convertibles produced, the
other car was also here this weekend at
Bloomington Gold, featured in The Great Hall.
The auction car was documented with the
original tank sticker, which confirms a build
date of mid-May 1971, the latest known build
date for an LS6 Corvette. Not only was it the
last ZR2 built, it was also the last of all 454-ci
LS6-powered vehicles built by Chevrolet. This
one pretty much took most everyone by surprise.
Last sold here at Bloomington 2008 for
$550,000 (CM# 117104).
#S72-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37W2S505129. Classic
White/blue vinyl. Odo: 37,176 miles. 454-ci
270-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Believed mostly original
and showing actual miles. Good engine bay
fluff-up, but upper radiator hose and corre-
recently and do look good. Repro seat upholstery.
1980s Kenwood cassette stereo sloppily
mounted into dash. New clamped stock exhaust
system and spare tire bucket. Optional
a/c, tilt/telescopic column, and interior décor
group. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $16,500. This
final year C3 drop top was more of a bruiser
cruiser than an investment piece. It fared
worse than this on Saturday as lot S138, when
it was a no-sale at $14k. This should definitely
have been enough.
#F59-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
25th
Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
1Z87L8S425526. Silver & gunmetal/red cloth.
Odo: 55,447 miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Mileage claimed actual. Better quality
repaint, with light sanding scratches on windshield
A-pillar along body. Blackout A-pillar
trim heavily faded. Better-than-stock gaps.
Newer, good quality engine repaint, some
components dingy and flash-rusted. Heavier
fading of seat cloth, carpeting, and console lid.
components, although a good amount of it has
been redyed. Seat leather very glossy and
heavily wrinkled. Aftermarket center console
T-pad. Clean and tidy but not show quality
under the hood and under the body. Optional
LS5 big block, automatic, a/c, power windows,
tilt/tele column, AM/FM, luggage rack, and
interior décor group. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$33,920. Heavily optioned, this would've been
a very expensive car when new–at least $6,800
by my calculations. Today it still rings the bell,
though more due to its respectable condition
than its option list. The reserve was lifted at
$32k. Not cheap, but a decent buy if you wanted
Cadillac luxury in a C3 Corvette.
#F79-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67J5S433592. Classic
White/black vinyl/Saddle leather. Odo: 87,310
miles. 350-ci 165-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Good
older repaint with original paint in jambs and
hood gutters. Original sloppily glued weather
seals. Doors sit a bit low.
Pitted mirrors.
Missing rubber seal between air cleaner assembly
and cowl induction-style hood. Both engine
and bottom of hood have been fluffed up
Very heavy steering wheel rim wear. Optional
a/c, power windows, Gymkhana suspension,
tilt-telescopic steering column, cruise, power
antenna, and AM/FM/8-track. Stock alloys.
Original window sticker. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD
AT $12,250. Of the three interior colors available
with the 25th Anniversary package—
black, Oyster, and red—red seems to be the
rarest. Indeed, my records showed that this
was the first red interior example I'd evaluated
since the start of Corvette Market. Not a bad
combo, but not a great car. Stated to take $15k
when it was on the block, but this should've
been plenty.
#F70-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace
Car
Edition coupe. S/N
1Z8748S900542. Silver & black/silver leather.
Odo: 42,623 miles. 350-ci 220-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Optional L82 engine. IPC decals are still
in original boxes in back of car. Wears mostly
original paint, but it's nothing to write home
about: fisheye pooling on rear fender peaks and
doors peaks; bonding strips beginning to de-
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 47
Page 46
Market
Report Mecum
St. Charles, IL
laminate on both front fenders; heavier crazing
of hood C-stripe decal, with unimpressive
29,219 miles. 350-ci 230-hp fuel-injected V8,
manual. Seller believes that the 29,219 indicated
miles are original. Excellent
original
paint. Doors have a bit of a rattle to them. Tidy
engine bay, but with typical discoloration of
cast valve covers. Minimal wear on very pre-
Best Buy #S112-1992 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY23P7N5101300.
Yellow/tan leather. Odo: 22,984 miles. 350-ci
300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Actual miles.
Factory original orange peel has been buffed
and polished nearly out of existence. Only discernable
interior wear is on door sill carpet,
masking on it from when hood was repainted;
scuffs on right rear corner. New non-OEM replacement
windshield. Original interior. Seam
separation starting on passenger's seat. Clean
engine bay. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $15,370.
Original 1978 Pace Cars really illustrate the
low state of the domestic auto industry at that
time. Despite being the hot car that year, they
present as being just slapped together and almost
painted as an afterthought. “Good news,
it's all-original; bad news, it's all-original”
could never be more true. Market-price sale
for now.
#S9-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z8749S432386. Black/black
leather. Odo: 47,542 miles. 350-ci 225-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Older repaint, with front fender
bonding strips starting to bubble up and light
orange peel on rear valance. Heavy aftermarket
window tint on all glass except windshield.
Clean engine compartment generally original
but far from detailed. Decal on wheelwell indicates
a/c system retrofitted with R-134A in
sentable original interior. Optional 4+3 manual
transmission, electronic
climate
control,
leather sport seats, and AM/FM/cassette stereo.
On newer economy replacement tires. Cond:
3+. NOT SOLD AT $8,500. One of 1,014
Silver Beige & Medium Brown factory twotone
cars. The 4-speed with electric overdrive
gearbox didn't do much to help value here; the
car's strongest suit was being a tidy original. It
could possibly bring a few more bucks somewhere
else, but then again, it was in the middle
of Corvette Mecca.
#F113-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace Car Edition convertible. S/N
1G1YY6782G5901998. Red/white vinyl/gray
leather. Odo: 52,157 miles. 350-ci 235-hp fuelinjected
V8, manual. Full Pace Car decal set
applied over very well-kept original
Door-to-glass seals show some light chipping
and tears. Less interior wear than expected.
Aftermarket steering wheel rim leather cover
fitted. Very heavy passenger's seat back wear,
suggesting that said seat was kept in the down
position, rubbing on rear bulkhead carpeting
although seats are all but marinating in silicone
protectant. Near showroom-condition engine
compartment, with minimal road abrasions on
undercarriage. Newer replacement Firehawk
tires on stock wheels. With optional selective
ride control, dual power leather sport seats, and
both types of roof panels. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$14,310. With the good combination of rarest
paint combination for 1992, first year for the
bullet-proof LT1 motor, and being pampered
since new, this was the best late C4 buy of the
weekend.
#S133-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
paint.
coupe. S/N 194371S111485. Ruby Red/Ruby
Red leather. Odo: 17,805 miles. 350-ci 300-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Stated to be original
miles and have all original finishes. Minimal
paint chips on nose and mirrors. Heavier wax
residue on chin spoiler, door handles, and
weatherstripping.
Light-to-moderate
interior
wear. Light but noticeable fading of cargo area
carpet. Noticeable soiling of door panel tops.
2006. Heavily faded and discoloring door
panel carpet. Seats and carpets wearing. Dull
finish on optional alloy wheels and highly
faded center caps. With optional L82 and
4-speed, plus a/c. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $10,000.
A desirable powertrain combo on an iffy car.
This would've fit well with the 23-car black
Corvette collection. Especially since this was
the second year that an all-black car was again
available again since 1969. It was listed as lot
F151 and a no-sale at $9k on Friday. On
Saturday,
it was turned loose at nearly the
same price. Reality.
C4
#F62-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0783G5123479. Silver
Beige & Medium Brown/bronze leather. Odo:
48 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
since new, or that it was cleaned with 100-grit
sandpaper. Aftermarket cat-back chambered
exhaust system. Wearing BF Goodrich replacement
tires. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $10,000. The
weekend before, at Mecum's St. Paul auction, a
virtual copy in black was declared sold at
$8,500, decals on the flanks and all. Both also
had the 4+3 manual transmission, so considering
the fact that that's actually a minus compared
to the bullet-proof 700R4, we can say
that the cars represented the upper and lower
brackets of current market pricing.
Generally tidy under the hood and under the
body, but not a show car by any standards.
New Cooper performance tires on the stock
wheels. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $14,000.
When on the auction block, they were close
enough to the $15k reserve that the auctioneer
declared “the first person to stick their hand in
the air gets the car.” If anything, the bidders
shrunk down in their seats, almost as if they'd
been threatened. So away it rolled, back to its
owner.
#F120-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
40th Anniversary Edition convertible. S/N
1G1YY33P7P5108272. Ruby Red/Ruby Red
Page 48
Market
Report Mecum
St. Charles, IL
cloth/Ruby Red leather. Odo: 50,867 miles.
350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Heavier
paint chipping on the nose and mirrors accented
by wax residue all over, including
Car Registry decal in windshield. Aside from
sticker still attached, as car was immediately
acquired after assembly by the Bob McDorman
Collection and never dealer-prepped. White
protective film still in jambs. Clear seat cover
torn up on driver's, missing on passenger's
side. Otherwise just like it just rolled off the
on door handles and bottom edges of lightly
weathered top. Heavier seat wear, but neither
seat has any tears. Clean underhood and undercarriage,
but
not
detailed. With
optional
6-speed selective ride control. Rolls on older
replacement Goodyear tires with less than half
of tread life remaining. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$13,515. Market-priced for condition. Maybe
could've brought a little more with a thorough
detailing.
#F106-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32P9S5110759.
Black/black cloth/black leather. Odo: 52,434
miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Good original paint, buffed out quite a bit and
with touch-ups. City of McHenry, IL, sticker
from 2003 in windshield. Original top starting
to show some light weathering. Engine bay
comes off as heavily used and tired. Typical
late C4 interior wear patterns, with moderate
light water drop spatters, even the undercarriage
looks like it just came off the truck from
the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. Two options:
Pace Car package and Pace Car Preferred
Equipment Group. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT
$29,000. 1995 Pace Cars are pretty easy to
find with minimal miles, or even virginal examples
still on their MSO. While it was stated
that $36k was needed to buy it today, the final
bid shouldn't have offended anyone.
C5
#S127-1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Lingenfelter
427 coupe.
S/N
1G1YY22GXV5100191. Fairway Green/black
leather. Odo: 48,321 miles. 7.0-L 550-hp fuelinjected
V8, 6-sp. One of the first C5s built–
unit sequence number 191–and one of 45 with
RPO code WD0 (Containment Test Vehicle).
In 2004, upgraded by Lingenfelter with their
427-ci LS-series engine. 12k miles since conversion.
Excellent original paint, although fascias
may have been resprayed at conversion.
assembly line. Optional dual power sport seats,
Head Up display, dual-zone a/c, power tilt/tele
steering column, memory package, single disc
CD stereo, fog lamps, Twilight Sentinel, and
performance rear axle. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$31,800. Oh, by the way, Bob McDorman
snapped it up because it was the last 1999
Corvette built. Whether anyone else really
cared about it being the last car built before
the Y2K model year is debatable, but as a
barely breathed-upon car, it was bought well.
Not quite as well as when this consignor
bought it from McDorman's Collection in
November 2010 for $26,400 (CM# 168129),
but still flipped well.
#S110-2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G6Y5100001. Dark
Bowling Green Metallic/black leather. Odo:
3,498 miles. 5.7-L 345-hp fuel-injected V8,
auto. Ordered new by Bob McDorman
Chevrolet specifically for his collection.
Minimally equipped, with only options being
power passenger's seat,
performance
wear on seat bolsters and door sill carpeting.
Original mufflers starting to blow out on forward
seams on the bottom. With optional dual
power sport seats & electronic climate control.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $13,250. Since it was a
one-owner car, said owner's valuation of the
car was near the top-end of realistic. Final bid
would was market-correct, and he did well to
let it go.
#S38-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace Car Edition convertible. S/N
1G1YY32P3S5113141. Purple & white/white
vinyl soft top/purple & black leather. Odo: 645
miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Original window sticker intact. A virtually
brand-new car, with 645 miles and claimed to
be all original except battery. Also claimed to
have never lowered the top, and it certainly
does not have any wrinkling. Corvette Pace
50 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
ratio, fog lamps, and floor mats. NCM delivery
sticker on rear hatch glass, but was built a year
before the R8C museum delivery package was
available. Minimal interior wear. GM Proving
Grounds access sticker on windshield, dated
April 7, 1999. Light soiling underhood and on
Non-Lingenfelter
aftermarket green leather
accents. Heavier interior wear than expected
for the miles. Three GM Campaign (recall)
completion stickers visible. Clean and tidy
under the hood, but not a show car. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $20,000. This was one of the
rarest paint colors on a regular production C5
Corvette, with only 155 cars so painted in 1997
and 223 in 1998. The Lingenfelter and oneowner
bullet points evidently didn't impress
anyone here, as it was bid to about as high as
you would ever go for a bone-stock '97 with
fewer miles.
coupe.
#S109-1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
S/N 1G1YY22G0X5133283.
Silver/black leather. Odo: 50 miles. 5.7-L 345hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Original window
axle
undercarriage. Otherwise in showroom condition.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $29,000.
Right on the heels of lot S109, this was the first
Y2K Corvette. However, it wasn't next car
down the Bowling Green assembly line after
that one–this one was likely built earlier, as a
model year certification proof car in late
March or early April 1999, while the last 1999
Page 50
Market
Report Mecum
St. Charles, IL
would've been built in July or early August
1999. One would've figured that the same
buyer of S109 would've both chased it down
and bought it for the same $31,800 bid, but
that was not to be.
#F164-2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Lingenfelter
Stage II convertible. S/N
1G1YY32G9Y5114352. Arctic White/tan
cloth/Oak leather. Odo: 20,294 miles. 5.7-L
650-hp turbocharged V8, 6-sp. Sold new as
standard-issue C5 with optional 6-speed, dual
power sport seats, 12-disc CD changer, Active
Handling, dual zone a/c, memory package,
body side moldings, and fog lamps. Within a
year, converted to Lingenfelter 650 Twin Turbo
engine bay. Washed-off undercarriage, but still
has some light road dust. Equipped with factory
optional manual 6-speed transmission,
navigation, and 3LT equipment group. All in
all, a nice used car. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$38,160. One of the only used-car-lot specials
to actually sell. The only thing missing was the
inflatable gorilla. Fair price.
#F96-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY26U865104953. LeMans
Blue/gray leather. Odo: 13,391 miles. 6.0-L
400-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. GM Certified
Pre-Owned program used car, brought in from
local dealer. Sparsely equipped, with only the
6-speed manual transmission and 2LT equipment
package. Weakest areas are wear on the
val cars in a black-and-silver color scheme
similar to 1978. Since it was a real deal festival
car with the markings to prove it, price was
close to retail, but bought well.
#F94-2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 coupe. S/N 1G1YY26E485104508.
Black/painted
panel/Ebony
leather. Odo:
19,477 miles. 7.0-L 505-hp fuel-injected V8,
6-sp. GM Certified Pre-Owned used car
straight from local dealer. Minimal paint nicks
on nose and sides. Not the best door trim installation
job, as it has multiple air bubbles on both
sides. Like-new interior and engine bay. Light
road dust on undercarriage. Optional 3LZ
Stage II specs. Like-new paint. Roof heavily
soiled, perhaps stored folded down and dirty
for extended period. Tidy underhood, although
carbon fiber engine covers don't fit very well.
Interior like new for the most part. Cond: 2-.
NOT SOLD AT $36,000. The original owner
must have gotten bored with the stock 345-hp
set-up, but in the decade since conversion, he
hadn't even equaled the mileage acquired in
that first year. Perhaps it was a bit too much to
live with? It was something of a hard sell here,
as not only did it not gather much interest when
it crossed the block on Friday, but did a paltry
$28k as lot# S61.1 the next day.
C6
#F95-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY36U265121558.
Machine Silver/Titanium cloth/gray
leather.
Odo: 11,889 miles. 6.0-L 400-hp fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. GM Certified Pre-Owned program
used car, straight from local Chevy dealer.
Like-new paint, with no discernible paint chips
from road debris. Well detailed interior and
been repaired just beneath fuel filler door.
Light weathering of top just starting to show.
Minimal seat and steering wheel rim wear.
Minimal road grime on undercarriage and
underhood. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $42,400. To
commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first
Corvette Indy Pace Car, Chevy did up the festi-
52 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
mats show any sign of soiling or wear-and very
light, at that. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $84,800.
After it was hammered sold (the reserve was
lifted when it hit $80k) a couple of guys near
where I was sitting groused that someone paid
way over retail for a Grand Sport. True if it
was bone stock (but not by much), but bought
well considering that it was a Callawayfinished
car that would've hit nearly six digits
new when all was said and done. See C6 profile
p. 34. ■
steering wheel rim and flash rust on various
suspension components. Overall, it could almost
pass for a new car. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD
AT $29,000. What this was lacking in trinkets
it made up for in condition. The GM CPO
print-out in the windshield indicted that the
dealer wanted $34,979 for the car when it was
sitting on their lot. Fat chance that the $29k
bid was going to do anything, even if it was
basically the right price.
#F75-2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace Car Edition convertible. S/N
1G1YY36W985124607. Black & silver/black
cloth/black & gray leather. Odo: 5,918 miles.
6.2-L 430-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. An actual
Indy Festival car, with unit number (46) and
parking permit decal still attached to windshield.
As-new paint, although graphics have
package with navigation, chrome alloy wheels,
dealer accessory mudguards, and aftermarket
dark window tint on backlight. Cond: 2-. NOT
SOLD AT $48,000. Another one straight from
the local used car lot, complete with the GM
CPO report and price sticker in the windshield.
As such, it was not hard to guess the magic
number of $51,965. It seemed like there were a
dozen of these offered Friday afternoon.
#S120-2010 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Callaway Grand Sport convertible. S/N
1G1YS3DW7A5105287. White & red/black
cloth/black & red leather. Odo: 3,379 miles.
6.2-L 606-hp V8, supercharger, 6-sp. Factory
optional 6-speed manual, dual-mode exhaust,
power top, 3LT equipment package, navigation,
Z15 heritage package. Upgraded by
Callaway with their supercharger package.
Only the undercarriage, tires, and the floor
Page 52
Market
Report
Mecum Auctions
Indianapolis, IN
25th Annual Spring Classic
A total of 229 Corvettes were on offer here—not bad, considering
many all-Corvette auctions have a hard time drawing similar numbers
Company
Mecum Auctions
Date
May 17–22, 2011
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Auctioneers
Mark Delzell, Mike
Hagerman, Jim Landis,
Bobby McGlothlen, Matt
Moravec, and Jeff Knox
Overall cars sold / offered
1,249/2,021
Total sales rate
62%
Sales total
$48,607,877
Corvettes sold / offered
162/229
Corvette sales total
$7,068,645
Corvette high sale
ZR-1s from the Paul Dehnert Collection
Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
M
ecum's annual Spring Classic auction saw significant growth in almost every
capacity this year. The number of days increased by one, the number of consignments
jumped by over 400, and gross sales increased by over $5m. The
auction block moved locations to the next building over on the Indiana State
Fairgrounds, and the Toyota Pavilion—where the sale was conducted in previous
years—now was half filled with Saturday's featured cars and vendors.
By the time all the consignments had checked in, there was a total of 229 Corvettes
available. Not bad, considering that Corvette-only auctions can be hard pressed to
have that many cars on-site (the all-Corvette Bloomington Gold sale, also featured in
this issue, is widely known as the world's largest all-Corvette auction, and this year it
featured a grand total of 244 Corvettes). Then
again, with over 2,000 unique lots at Indy, the
law of averages pretty much guaranteed that
there would be a lot of Corvettes in the mix.
The top-selling Corvette of the 162 ham-
Corvette Sales Total
$7m
mered sold was the 1969 L88 coupe from the
no-reserve Paul Dehnert Estate Collection. An
older restoration in its original Fathom Green,
it sold at $222,600. Other notable Corvettes in
his collection included three C4 ZR-1s—two
modified cars and one low-mile bone-stock
example—all in red. All three cars sold within
spitting distance of each other, continuing the
age-old debate over whether or not modifications
on a Corvette really hurt the car's value if
they're done by a known, quality tuner.
Aside from offering several high-end col-
54 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.vettemarket.com
$3.5m
$6m
$5m
$4m
$3m
$2m
$1m
0
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
1969 Corvette L88 coupe,
sold at $222,600
Buyer's premium
lections, including several
estates, Mecum also had a
four-car grouping of cars
that were part of the 1953 GM Motorama. Of note here
was the 1953 Corvette of the offering (serial number 274),
which failed to sell at $180,000. This proved to be the top
no-sale car.
One new wrinkle of this year's event was Mecum's
$300 up to $5,499; $500
from $5,500 to $9,999; 6%
thereafter, included in
sold prices
separate and concurrent automobilia auction, taking
place Thursday through Saturday in the neighboring
auditorium. Once the automobilia had left the stage, the
sale then shifted to an estate parts collection auction on
Sunday. Among the parts were a number of Corvette
pieces, ranging from 1960s-era fuel injection setups to
6-speed transmissions parted out of C4 ZR-1s. All in all,
this seemed to work well for Mecum, as interest was high
throughout the event.
All in all, Dana and company manage to pull new
rabbits out of their hats every year, and they not only
keep pressing on, but also expand—and they have the
resources to make it work. Even with this volume, the
company had sufficient staff on hand to handle most
anything—from driving and marshalling cars to getting
the paperwork and checks done in the office. Kudos to
Mecum for not only pulling this off, but for also having
the foresight to know that it takes enough people in the
right places to make everything work smoothly. ■
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2006
2005
2004
Page 54
Market
Report
C1
#S106-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E53F001274. Polo White/black
cloth soft top/red vinyl. Odo: 45,743 miles.
235-ci 150-hp I6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Approximately
a year out of a restoration shop specializing in
6-cyl Corvettes. Authentically restored body
tub, with correct light waviness and fabric
weave bleed-though under correctly applied
paint. All chrome has been replated to correct,
non-show-quality brilliance. Non-OEM repro-
duction windshield. Original dull and fading
taillight lenses. New top lightly wrinkled.
Original door knobs yellowing, in contrast
with repro dashboard fittings. Clean, correctly
detailed engine bay and undercarriage. Cond:
2-. NOT SOLD AT $180,000. Top bid was
about $50k under even the most pessimistic
predictions. Especially since I saw it declared
sold for $247,500 at the Auburn Worldwide
auction last Labor Day weekend, 2010 (CM#
166401).
#F34-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S105175. Signet Red &
white/red hard top/white vinyl. Odo: 14,824
miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Factory
options included Powerglide, hard top, and soft
top, but soft top missing now. Powered by
1968 Chevy Biscayne 250-hp 327. Good repaint,
some scuffing on driver's-side front
fender, perhaps from a tarp. Right rear quarterpanel
slightly concave behind wheel, making
Typical C1 door fit, protruding slightly. Solid
Axle Corvette Club decal on windshield.
Interior nearly unworn. Only non-original
drivetrain component is water pump; periodcorrect
extra included with car. Optional 290hp
Fuelie, T10 4-speed, 3.70 Posi, and hard top
only—although originally also had soft top.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $87,450. Last seen at
Mecum's 2010 Bloomington Gold auction,
where the seller turned down a high bid of
$102k (CM# 120887). He reportedly had in
mind a reserve of $200k today but dropped it at
$82,500. Well bought at nearly $20k under the
low estimate.
#W245.1-1959 CHEVROLET
COR-
VETTE convertible. S/N J59S107992.
Black/white vinyl soft top/red vinyl. Odo:
6,889 miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp.
Block decodes as base 230-hp unit, but has
stock dual quad on top of it. Muncie 4-speed
instead of T10. OK older repaint with plenty of
body wave underneath. Typical poor C1 door
fit. Older replate on bumpers and most exterior
Some seam separation on replacement top.
Original interior, seam separating on driver's
seat, moderate carpet wear. Most brightwork
worn off door panel and dashboard. Aftermarket
Hurst shifter added. Dingy engine bay with
economy service parts. Sits on newer radials.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $30,210. The reserve was
passed at $27,500, and bidding continued for a
couple more rounds. Drive it until the body
unwinds to the point of needing to restore it;
just don't be surprised when you total up your
receipts.
#T75.1-1964 CHEVROLET
COR-
VETTE coupe. S/N 40837S122108. Ermine
White/dark blue vinyl. Odo: 31,317 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Feels rather
cobbled-together. 1966 console and wheel covers.
Average repaint, sloppy masking around
windows and trim. All panel gaps uneven.
Windshield trim held on by Phillips screws
drilled through at each corner. Original carpeting,
seats, door panels, all worn. Engine stampings
illegible due to multiple layers of spray
Mecum Auctions
Indianapolis, IN
seller, and a four-time Super Chevy Award
winner at Indianapolis in the years since.
Better-than-factory
body
prep
and
paint.
joint areas. Repaint showing some chipping on
panel edges, good-sized ding on right rocker
panel, older bumper rechrome, mediocre gaps.
bumper stick out oddly. Dull stainless trunk
spears, pitted brightwork, replated bumpers.
Older seat redo looks odd in white with red
door panels and dash, which was not an option
in 1958. Motor recently repainted. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $59,360. The seller knew a good
number when he saw it and cut the reserve at
$55k. Considering that I've seen correct original-powertrain
C1s sell for less, this was sold
well.
Best Buy #S219.1-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S101924.
Snowcrest White/white hard top/red vinyl.
Odo: 482 miles. 283-ci 290-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. Body-off restored in mid-'70s by
previous owner, body-on re-restored in '01 by
56 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.vettemarket.com
trim. Interior trim quite shabby. Dashpad replaced
with lesser workmanship, with some
wrinkles and uneven fit. Older replacement
seat and door panels are lightly worn and better
installed. Engine bay clean, tidy, and rather
blah. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $54,060. For a C1 in
rather average condition and questionably
configured, money paid was about as good as
can be expected. Better sold than bought.
C2
#T118-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S106993. Daytona
Blue/black vinyl/dark blue vinyl. Odo: 71,405
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Being
sold by original owner. Car, however, is far
from original. Body seams bubbling at several
paint. Everything gloss black on chassis except
for stock-style
exhaust. Factory-style
a/c.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $30,740. Despite being
the ever-popular “mid-year” body, '64s have
fallen far enough that chrome-bumper C3s
sometimes surpass them in value. This is especially
true of quickie restorations like this,
which '64s fall victim to with surprising regularity.
#T320-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S115387. Rally Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 94,722 miles. 327-ci 365-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Decent older repaint in original
Rally Red has a few light cracks started, mostly
on passenger's door. Decent gaps, even if
doors feel a little loose inside. Good older correct
engine detailing, aside from Sanden a/c
compressor. Interior claimed original, and in
Page 55
excellent condition for its 46 years, with minor
patina on seats, carpet, and chrome. Optional
ertrain and Protect-O-Plate. Restored in the
early '90s, awarded Bloomington Gold in 1996
plus NCRS local chapter Top Flight. Now light
bubbling starting between left headlight pod
and hood. Paint discoloration where it contacted
reproduction
weatherstripping. Older
365-hp engine, power steering, teak-rimmed
steering wheel, and AM/FM. Fitted with reproduction
knockoff alloys and modern a/c. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $51,940. A top-of-the-market
price, considering condition and the small
block, but somewhat justified by good original
colors.
Best Buy #W229.1-1965 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE coupe. S/N 194375S100001.
Silver Pearl/silver leather. Odo: 28,500 miles.
327-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. First 1965
Corvette built, by serial number and body
number. Good older repaint, some cracking at
windshield base. Front wheelwell lips have
some latter-day reinforcing, but body generally
stock. Rattle-can re-dye of interior door panels,
seats also re-dyed rather than replaced. Original
carpeting
water-stained. Optional 365-hp
motor, 4-speed, 3.55-ratio Posi, wood rim
replacement soft top showing some light soiling
and yellowing. Runs out well, but deeper
rumble than expected for a small block. Likenew
reproduction upholstery. Optional L79
engine, sidepipes, AM/FM, and both tops.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $66,780. Once an awardwinner
starts to degrade, what do you do? In
this case, the answer was move it out. The reserve
was lifted at $58k, and bidders chased
the price like a rabbit from there, so they
clearly still valued it as a nice cruiser.
TOP 10
No. 5
#T232-1967 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE L89 coupe. S/N
194377S113522. Marina
Blue &
black/blue vinyl. Odo: 34,674 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Said to be a “multiple
NCRS Top Flight award-winner” and
“Bloomington Gold certified,” but no proof
shown. Good older restoration, with good body
prep and repaint. Older show-quality engine
masking, in generic red rather than original
Rally Red. Long-term previous owner's address
label stuck to passenger's window. Tidy
engine bay, but not show-ready. Original interior
has some moderate patina on carpet and
seat bolsters, commensurate with indicated
miles rather than age. Optional 390-horse big
block, 4-speed, power brakes, and two black
vinyl tops: one folding, one fixed. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $65,720. Long-term ownership of
this big-block coupe certainly helped achieve a
price that was market correct, or perhaps
slightly low. Good original colors and the
rarely seen vinyl-covered hard top didn't hurt,
either. A good buy, but not an instant investment
piece.
#F211-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
L88 replica convertible. S/N 194677S102390.
White & red/white vinyl soft top/red vinyl.
Odo: 1,297 miles. 427-ci 430-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. One of the original 13 Tangier Shriner
COPO Corvette Patrol cars from Omaha, NE.
Ermine White with blue interior and small
block when new. Some time later, “dealer-upgraded”
to L88 specs, with the numbers “restored”
to match, courtesy of a punch set.
Orange peel and bubbles in paint between
headlight pods and hood. Delam and yellowing
in door glass. Light discoloration of repop seat
upholstery, but shows no wear. Near show-
steering
wheel, AM/FM, off-road exhaust,
leather, power brakes, and Comfort and
Convenience group. Wearing original knockoffs.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $69,960. Not only
was this the first unit sequence number for the
1965 model year, it was also the first coupe
body fabricated at the St. Louis assembly plant
for ‘65, with a body number of S1. That alone
should have given it a bump of at least ten
percent, but there was no sign of any effect
today. Well bought.
#T208-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S121237. Lynndale
Blue & black/blue hard top & white vinyl soft
top/teal blue vinyl. Odo: 63,067 miles. 327-ci
350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Retains original pow-
bay detailing. No wear on older reproduction
interior soft trim, carpet lightly soiled. Doorsill
weatherseal glue somewhat sloppily applied,
as per factory, but glue is modern black rather
than original yellow. Equipped with optional
L89 engine, 4.11 ratio Posi, headrests, AM/FM
radio, and alloy wheels. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$124,020. Signs of life for aluminum cylinderhead
L89s, if this indicates any sort of trend for
the sixteen cars that came with them from new.
See C2 profile p. 26.
#F247-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S108824. Rally Red
& black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 28,175
miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Mileage
believed actual. Older repaint with lackluster
quality engine bay and undercarriage. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $98,050. Not sold for $100,000
at Kruse's 1998 Scottsdale sale (CM# 21002);
not sold for $200,000 at the October 2005
Branson sale (CM# 39603); sold for $176,000
at Barrett-Jackson's 2009 Scottscale sale
(CM# 119121). Since then, Shriner artwork
was removed from the door, which in my mind
at least moved it into the realm of a fakey-doo
rather than a period creation. With the reserve
off at $92k, the consignor must've needed to
move it out, regardless of loss. Want a good car
story? Check out B.S. Levy's “The Last Open
Road” instead.
C3
#T192-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194378S418208. Silverstone
Silver/black vinyl. Odo: 44,491 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Believed generally
original and showing actual miles. Original
paint polished through on several body creases
and on top of driver's door, where original
owner evidently liked to grab. Wavy door glass
seals, delaminating windshield, warped and
cracked
grille.
Lightly
worn factory
www.vettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 57
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Market
Report
Mecum Auctions
Indianapolis, IN
interior has faint old car smell. Original engine
bay, surface corrosion on most components.
Older aftermarket chambered exhaust. On
older radial tires. Minimal options: 4-speed,
AM/FM, tinted glass, and wheel covers. Cond:
4+. NOT SOLD AT $17,000. Original is one
thing, ratty is another; this example teetered
precariously between preservation class and
desperately needing a restoration. Other than
that originality, there was pretty much nothing
to justify pricing beyond retail. Price bid
should have been enough.
#S134-1969 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE L88 coupe. S/N
194379S721608. Fathom Green/Saddle
vinyl. Odo: 58,755 miles. 427-ci 430-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with L88, power brakes,
F41 suspension, and sidepipes. Bloomington
Gold-certified in 1995 after restoration by the
Nabers brothers, pretty much nothing done to it
since. Repainted and rechromed slightly better
TOP 10
No. 2
pad missing. Older engine repaint, lots of nonOEM
service parts. Equipped with optional big
block, 4-speed, power brakes and steering,
alarm, and AM/FM radio, which is sitting on
floor, replaced by a CD player. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $18,550. Last seen at Mecum's
2010 Bloomington Gold auction, where it was
a $16,000 no-sale (CM# 165062). A year later,
it was about high time to move it out, and the
seller dropped the reserve at a get-it-gone
$15,500.
interior décor group. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$79,500. The Interior décor package included
leather seats, woodgrain accents, and heavier
pile carpeting. Not exactly in character with
the engine, but without power brakes or steering,
it was the one option box that could be
checked off with the LT-1. The reserve was
lifted at the end of bidding. Fairly bought and
sold, but too bad it can't be driven without
hurting the value.
#F30-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37K2S514715. Ontario
Orange/Saddle leather. Odo: 56,323 miles.
350-ci 200-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Better-thanfactory
repaint, aside from some masking lines
in door jambs. Passenger's door fit way off. All
brightwork lightly pitted. Good original redyed
door panels and dashpad, newer repop
carpeting. '80s Alpine AM/FM/tape deck.
Originally had leather seating as part of inte-
#S90.1-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N 1Z67J5S435199.
White/white hard top & soft top/red leather.
Odo: 2,789 miles. 350-ci 165-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Extensively documented as the last 1975
Corvette convertible built. Ordered new by
Bob Kaiser Chevrolet of St. Louis, loaded with
all options, and displayed at dealership for
years afterward. Retains all documentation,
including copy of MSO, as it was titled last
year for the first time ever. Generally well preserved.
Door handle flappers lightly pitted.
Recent engine cleanup, although rest of bay
not quite at show standard. Newer stock ex-
than factory. Original interior door seals aging.
Excellent interior, mostly original and re-dyed.
Older engine bay cleanup, but not detailed.
Better detailing on undercarriage, with only a
couple puddle splashes. Offered at no reserve
from the Paul Dehnert Estate Collection. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $222,600. The few public offerings
of '69 L88s have generally been in the
quarter-million dollar zone, generally bid
north of that at auction. At no reserve, we can
call this market-correct.
#T240.1-1970 CHEVROLET
VETTE LT-1
CORcoupe.
S/N 194370S405178.
Monza Red/black leather. Odo: 152 miles.
350-ci 370-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. 152 documented
miles. Earned NCRS Top Flight in June 2002.
Claimed all-original, and if so, stunningly well
maintained. Masking line detected
around
“Body by Fisher” tag. Light patina and old car
smell confirms circa-1970 interior. Does show
new paint in engine bay, with fresh gasket
sealer oozing onto it. Yellowing 41-year-old
washer fluid and overflow tanks. Equipped
with optional LT-1, M21 4-speed, transistorized
ignition, 4.11 Positraction, AM/FM, and
58 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.vettemarket.com
rior décor group, now replaced with kit vinyl
seats. Modern stitched leather steering wheel
rim cover. Factory a/c car, but compressor and
lines missing. Aftermarket chrome bits added
under the hood. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $18,020.
Considering the major parts swapping on this
driver, winning bid was all the money in the
world. Sold very well.
#T149-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37Z4S408148. Red/black vinyl.
Odo: 69,090 miles. 454-ci 270-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Superb repaint, relatively close to original
Mille Miglia Red. Stock door gaps and fit.
Window seals starting to crumble from sunburn.
Older replacement interior upholstery,
carpets and seats worn and faded. Clutch pedal
haust system. Seat bottom leather lightly
wrinkled. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $67,000.
Featured at the National Corvette Museum, in
the 2003 Bloomington Gold Special Collection,
and in a 1987 suit filed against GM, when the
C4 convertible went into production in 1986,
as they had declared this car in 1975 to be the
last Corvette convertible ever. As a singular
piece of Corvette history, the value will always
be based on what someone is willing to pay for
it and what the owner will accept. Today, the
value is somewhere between this bid and the
$115k reserve.
#T162-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8760B5108428. Silver &
charcoal/charcoal leather. Odo: 51,504 miles.
350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Claimed to be
essentially original and showing actual miles.
Page 58
Market
Report
Mecum Auctions
Indianapolis, IN
Original paint has some wear and buff-through
in places. Touch-ups on doors. Original interior,
with moderate seat wear and heavier carpet
fading. Tidy but unremarkable under the
hood. Newer matte black undercarriage and
rattle-can silver on stock—if not original—exhaust
system. Optional two-tone paint, tinted
roof panels, power door locks, leather, AM/
FM/cassette, and alloy wheels. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $10,000. A decent—but not great—
original car. With the reserve lifted at $9,250, it
sold as well as about anyone expected, including
the seller.
#U49-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8785C5118097. Fly
Yellow/blue leather. Odo: 23,783 miles. 350-ci
205-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Every single
body panel has been either swapped out, modified,
or added onto with more fiberglass. Gaps
are all over the place, panels quite wavy. Ohso-'80s
Dodge “Daytona” badges stuck on
rocker panels beneath doors. Originally left
Bowling Green with two-tone blue paint,
which explains dark blue leather interior, in
masked-off repaint. Door and window weatherseals
starting to split from sun exposure. Half
of rear emblem insert broken off. Older replacement
windshield. Kit seats. Aftermarket
economy cat-back single-outlet dual-glasspack
exhaust. Heavier wear on older replacement
tires. Optional dual power leather seats. Cond:
3. NOT SOLD AT $7,500. The dash plaque
confirmed that this was an Indy 500 Pace Car
Edition, but then again, every single 1986 convertible
was an Indy 500 Pace Car Edition.
The seller expected $10k or more, but high bid
was in line with reality.
#S140-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ22J3R5800326.
Torch Red/black leather. Odo: 8,154 miles.
350-ci 405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. 8k actual
miles. Completely original apart from fluids
and new AC Delco battery. Like-new 17-yearold
paint, with few faint traces of factory orange
peel pretty much buffed away. 2005
Pennsylvania
inspection stickers on wind-
shield. Still has traces of mold release on door
glass seals. Heavier seat wrinkling than expected,
but no other significant interior wear.
Moderate interior wear. Engine bay topically
cleaned up. Offered at no reserve from the Paul
Dehnert Estate Collection. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $37,630. As it sold for exactly the same
price as lot S140, the bone-stock 8,000-mile
matching ZR-1 from the same collection, we
can now officially say that a tuner-modified
C4s is not worth more than a low-mile bone
stocker. At best, the two should keep pace.
#S138-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 Lingenfelter Twin Turbo coupe. S/N
1G1YZ22J8S5800084. Red/tan leather. Odo:
30,593 miles. 368-ci 850-hp turbocharged V8,
auto. Converted to twin turbo with automatic.
Serviceable original paint with a few gravel
chips acquired at high speed. Grungy front
chin spoiler. Full polished stainless steel exhaust
system. 2006 Texas inspection sticker on
windshield. Stock interior moderately worn;
fitted with set of red four-point harnesses
decent shape. Said repaint was done well
enough, has moderate overspray on chassis.
Door scoops not cut out, just painted black.
Optional tinted roof panels and AM/FM/cassette.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $15,900. “Low mileage
- Lady driven - Car speaks for itself,”
claimed one description, and a windshield
sticker said “Protected by The Club.” Well, it
certainly got multiple direct hits from the proverbial
ugly stick. Somewhere under all that
fiberglass was a 23,783-mile C3 dying to escape.
The outrageous price paid suggests
someone wanted it just the way it was.
C4
#T132-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy 500 Pace Car Edition convertible. S/N
1G1YY6784G5905700. Red/black cloth/red
leather. Odo: 112,397 miles. 350-ci 230-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Expertly applied, well
Engine bay ready for inspection at Bloomington
Gold, undercarriage nearly as good. Equipped
with both types of roof panels. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $37,630. Considering that finding a C4
ZR-1 with less than 10k miles is not a hard
thing to do, this sold at the higher end of retail
pricing. Still, it was a good deal for all involved—and
a better place to park $37,630 for
a long-term investment than a modified example.
#S139-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 Lingenfelter
coupe.
V8, 6-sp. Lingenfelter
S/N
1G1YZ22J8R5800046. Torch Red/black
leather. Odo: 30,593 miles. 415-ci 650-hp fuelinjected
bored-and
-stroked LT5, with 6-piston Brembo brakes,
among other tweaks. Serviceable original paint
shows a few rock chips. Contrasting black
Samco cold air intake duct in place of stock
front license plate mount. Lexan rear window.
Multi-piece roll bar with chrome fire extinguisher
and four-point
Momo harnesses.
neatly tucked into seats and rear roll cage with
camera-mount bar. Engine bay cleaned up.
Offered at no reserve from the Paul Dehnert
Estate
Collection. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$45,050. One of four Lingenfelter twin turbos
built. The automatic tied to the 4-cam engine
may seem blasphemous to some, but Dehnert
ran this one to over 190 mph in the Texas Mile.
It was the top seller of his three C4 ZR-1s on
offer—fittingly, since it's doubtful that anybody
will ever build one that's more powerful.
C5
#W205-2004 CHEVROLET
COR-
VETTE Le Mans Commemorative Edition
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G445118416.
LeMans Blue/Shale
cloth soft top/Shale
leather. Odo: 22,057 miles. 5.7-L 350-hp fuelinjected
V8, 6-sp. Like-new paint, top, and
engine bay. 22,057 miles since new, but less
than 50% of tread left on original Goodyear
60 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.vettemarket.com
Page 59
EMTs. More wear and soiling on heel pad and
E-brake handle than expected, especially since
rest of interior is like new. 6-speed, Z51 suspension,
and 12-disc CD are additional options
beyond Commemorative
Edition
package.
Sold new by Oliverio Chevrolet/Buick of
McDonald, PA, per crumpled and re-flattened
original window sticker. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$29,150. Since I also own a Commemorative
Edition with the Performance Handling
Package, I can attest that this was the C5's
best-kept secret. Even being used to the marshmallow
suspension of my 1978 Lincoln, I find a
C5 with Z51 is a very pleasant riding car, yet it
handles like it's on rails, and doesn't have the
added weight of additional electrical components
that will just eventually go wonky (like
the Magnetic Selective Ride Control). A good
deal for both the buyer and the seller, a couple
of bids past the $27k reserve.
C6
#S166-2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR1 Lingenfelter
coupe.
1G1YR26R795800006. Cyber
S/N
Gray/carbon
fiber/Ebony & Cashmere leather. Odo: 11,570
miles. 6.2L 638-hp supercharged V8, 6-sp.
Factory optional navigation system and 3ZR
equipment package. In addition to Lingenfelter
engine tweaks, also has cat-back Corsa exhaust
system. 2009 Hot Rod Power Tour sponsor
decal on windshield. Well kept original paint
and interior both present as better than new.
Clean and tidy under the hood and under the
body. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $74,200. This was
the sixth C6 ZR1 built, per the unit sequence
number. With its tweaks, the car topped out at
185.9 mph in the 2010 Texas Mile. Thing is that
the new ZR1 is so well set up out of the box that
there really isn't much else left to do. Too bad
that the mods didn't pay for depreciation. If
anything, they hurt the value in this case, as a
bone-stock example will run at least this
much. See C6 profile p. 34. ■
www.vettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 61
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Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Orange County, CA
2nd Annual Orange County Collector Car Auction
Barrett-Jackson was wise to bring their huge Scottsdale tent to Orange County,
as 60,000 people went through the turnstiles over the three-day event
Company
Barrett-Jackson
Date
June 24–26, 2011
Location
Costa Mesa, CA
Auctioneers
Assiter & Associates. Tom
“Spanky”Assiter, lead
auctioneer
Overall lots sold/offered
330/338
Total sales rate
98%
Sales total
$13,421,895
Corvettes sold/offered
23/24
Corvette sales total
$1,022,450
Corvette high sale
1958 Corvette 283/270 convertible—$99,000
Report and photos by Carl Bomstead
Market opinions in italics
their huge Scottsdale tent, as 60,000 people went through the turnstiles to view and
bid on the cars, see the displays, and to buy various offered products over three days.
In the words of the PR folks, it was a lifestyle experience.
Looking at the numbers, the final total of $13.4m was down from the inaugural
T
event last year by a touch over $2m, but 67 fewer cars were offered.
Of the total, 24 were Corvettes, and all but one found new homes.
The top Corvette was a 1969 L89 convertible finished in
Riverside Gold. It was hammered sold for $121,000 including the
buyer's premium. It was said to be one of only 390 produced with
the potent 427/435 aluminum head V8, which was mated to a M22
4-speed. It was one of only 4,355 '69s ordered with side exhaust, and
it was well documented with the original tank sticker, invoice, and
finance contract. Considering the documentation, condition and
rarity, I certainly had no issue with the price paid.
I have a soft spot for '58s, so I was impressed with the 293/270
that sold for $99,000. It was one of just 978 examples fitted with the
dual-four 270-horsepower V8 from the factory, and was finished in
Signet Red with white coves.
A well-presented '67 coupe from the Dave's Garage Collection
sold for an out-the-door price of $52,800, and the SPEED announcers
pronounced it “well bought.” I would have agreed if it were not
for the big-block hood on a Corvette powered by a 327/350 power
62 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
his year's Orange County sale, held in late June, was Barrett-Jackson's second
collector car auction in Southern California. The Orange County Fair and Event
Center was again the backdrop for this event, offering adequate parking and all
the necessary facilities. In addition, Barrett-Jackson also was wise in bringing
1969 Corvette 427/435
convertible, sold at:
$121,000
Buyer's premium
10% (included in sold
prices)
plant. That could easily be corrected if an NCRS or
Bloomington award is in your sights, but it took away
from an otherwise well-presented coupe.
If you were bargain hunting, then the '76 coupe
Barrett-Jackson
Corvette Totals
$1.75m
$1.5m
$1.25m
$1m
$750k
$500k
$250k
0
that sold for only $11,000 was for you. It was finished
in Orange Flame, and the original 350-ci engine had
been replaced with a 406-ci V8 stroker, although it still
retained its original factory 4-speed manual. Yeah, it
needed some work, but the price was right for
what was essentially a great cruiser.
One aspect of Barrett-Jackson that does
not receive enough attention is the number
of charitable offerings that cross the block
at each of the company's events. Close to a
million dollars was raised at OC this year
for various causes, and the winning bidders
wrote their checks directly to the benefiting
organizations with no fees or commissions to
Barrett-Jackson. For that, all are to be commended.
The Barrett-Jackson Orange County event
is not yet close to the magnitude of some of
the company's other more established events,
but B-J is sure working hard to expand it, and
the Corvettes presented here offered an interesting
variety with broad appeal. ■
2010
2011
Page 62
Market
Report
C1
#367.2-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S103345. Signet
Red/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 22,368 miles.
283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Respray in
the right color, but large blemish on trunk.
Steering wheel hub pitted. 4-speed manual was
ordered on a third of the cars. First year for
Barrett-Jackson
Orange County, CA
restoration of flood-damaged Corvette.
Bonding strips visible. Windshield scratched.
Headlight trim fit off. Drivetrain rebuilt, as I
factory-installed seat belts. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $99,000. The ‘58 Corvette was redesigned
with new interior, body panels, and instrumentation.
Production was a third again as much
as prior year. For a non-fuelie ‘58, this was
strong money. I'd feel better about the amount
paid if there was a hard top included with the
package.
#339-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S100469. Roman
Red/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 1,324 miles.
283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Restored a
few years back to high standard. Very good
panel gaps. Trim properly fitted on top of headlamps,
which is usually an issue. Replacement
vinyl interior well done. Front bumper slightly
canted. Engine clean, but incorrect hose clamps
doubt it was functional after being submerged
in water. Equipped with T10 manual transmission.
Sold on salvage title. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$38,500. The salvage title, which was prominently
noted in the catalog, makes for about a
25% hit. In this case it was more than that, as
this would be a $60,000 Corvette if all was in
order. Problem will be down the road if someone
attempts to clear the title. Show me the
CARFAX, or better yet, the CM Plus database.
C2
#373-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S100006. Milano
Maroon/maroon vinyl. Odo: 78,814 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Professional
frame-off restoration. Panel fit exceeds factory
spec. Buffer marks on trim. Engine clean with
no overspray. Powerglide not everyone's first
choice. The sixth Corvette off the line in
able teakwood wheel with telescoping steering
column; power windows and factory AM/FM
radio. On aftermarket aluminum knockoffs.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $82,500. Size does matter,
and the bigger the block, the bigger the
bucks. Throw in a few desirable options, such
as power widows and the steering wheel, and
we are at a market-correct price. Solid transaction
for both buyer and seller.
in place. Original dual quads. Very attractive
Corvette. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $78,100. Last
seen at Mecum's 2006 Kansas City Spring
Classic sale, where it was a no-sale at $60,000
(CM# 41578). Only driven a couple hundred
miles since. Have to say this was wisely acquired,
as it had the right motor and colors,
and the restoration was still showing well. As
such it could have brought another $5k–$10k
without question. Well bought and sold.
#62-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S109770. Roman
Red/black
vinyl/black
vinyl.
Odo:
66,903
miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent
64 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
1965—a pilot car and not offered for public
sale, documented by NCRS. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $50,600. A number of desirable and valuable
options were not ordered on this L75
Corvette—the Powerglide is about a $5,000
hit. All in all, price paid was about right for a
rather bland Corvette, though the new owner
can impress someone with the 6th-car-produced
story.
#373.1-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S115636. Mosport
Green/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 90,021
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A
26-year-old respray that is showing its age.
#336-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S121481. Mosport
Green/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 38,509
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. An at-
Paint checking on hood, scar on right rear
fender. Big-block hood added. Original black
vinyl interior in acceptable condition. Lacking
many of the desirable options but does have
power windows and brakes. Wears reproduction
knockoffs and sidepipes. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $41,800. Middle-of-the-road money for a
middle-of-the-road L79 convertible. At the
price paid, use and enjoy, and at some point
opt for a respray. No harm done here.
#366-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S123676. Rally Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 55,496 miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Strong example of a '66 big block,
with photo documentation of restoration work.
Equipped with L72 V8 that was a $312 option
and Muncie close-ratio manual 4-speed; desir
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Barrett-Jackson
Orange County, CA
tractive base-level 327/300 convertible, excellent
panel fit, older lacquer respray has lost a
lot of its luster. Options including leather seats
and power windows, brakes, and steering. Teak
wheel. Aftermarket a/c, modern stereo with
iPod attachment.
Original
resto-mod Corvette is your thing, then this was
the answer. Buy it finished, and let the other
guy take the hit. Only problem is that it has
been to all the dances, so just use and enjoy.
radio included.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $46,200. This had a number
of desirable options, but at the end of the
day, a number-three car for a number-three
price. All's well that ends well, so now just
spend a bit on a respray and you'll have something.
#338.2-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S104318. Ermine White/red
vinyl. Odo: 35,072 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Recent restoration to a high standard.
Respray with no issues noted. Panel fit to factory
spec. Well fitted interior. Factory a/c with
side exhaust. Big-block hood added with
C3
#375.1-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
LT-1 convertible. S/N 1Z67L2S524746.
Ontario Orange/black vinyl/black leather. Odo:
84,662 miles. 350-ci 255-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Acceptable panel fit, resprayed to high standard.
Lacking a/c, but was a Portland car where
it seldom is needed. Equipped with original
#38.1-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY878XC5115129. Silver
Blue/blue vinyl. Odo: 67,059 miles. 350-ci
200-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint well presented.
First year for the Cross Fire V8 with
fuel injection as a standard offering. This was
the only engine offered in 82. Equipped with
factory
a/c, aluminum wheels,
tilt
wheel,
T-tops, power windows, and power seats.
Retains original smog pump. The last of the
C3s. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $12,650. These
have a reputation of being fat and under-powered,
which helps explain the low price. In
truth, they are a much better Corvette than
many think. A sleeper, and the buyer here may
just have the last laugh.
painted stinger. On repop alloy wheels. From
Dave's Garage Collection. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$52,800. Described as well bought by Speed
Channel on-air announcers, and I would have
to agree, as a decent L79 coupe should be
closer to $65k. The NCRS boys would have an
issue with that hood, however.
#390-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
custom convertible. S/N 194677S100626.
Purple/black Haartz cloth/black leather. Odo:
5,813 miles. 502-ci fuel-injected V8, 5-sp.
Built at a documented cost of over $150,000.
More than 40 first place awards, including
World of Wheels in Phoenix. ZZ 502 crate
motor with Tremec manual transmission and
M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual and Posi rear
end, plus trunk rack and both tops. Ontario
Orange was the most popular Corvette color in
1972. One of 1,741 LT1s produced that year.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $38,500. This car's color
was not to everyone's taste, but it was very
popular in its time. For an LT-1 convertible
restored to this level, a spot-on price paid. See
C3 profile p. 28.
#76.1-1976 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
custom coupe. S/N 1Z37L6S418760. Candy
Apple Red/gray leather. Odo: 20,259 miles.
350-ci turbocharged V8, auto. Six-time national
ISCA winner. Well maintained, but may
have lost its show-ready edge. Custom Candy
Apple Red livery, unique leather interior.
Heavily modified with custom side panels and
C4
#43-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY33P3P5106969.
Ruby Red/Ruby Red vinyl/burgundy leather.
Odo: 39,826 miles. 5.7-L 300-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. Low miles stated to be accurate, and
no reason to doubt. Well maintained with
minor chip on nose. Complete with books and
records. 1993 Corvette was first GM car to
feature keyless entry. RPO Z25, the 40th
Positraction rear end. Powdercoated chassis
and aluminum radiator. Engine bay spotless
and full of bling. Pro Comp gauges. Nothing to
fault here. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $84,700. If a
hood. 350 with nitrous under the hood and full
chrome dress-up. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$16,500. An excellent example of how to lose a
bunch of money modifying a Corvette—the
seller must've had a ton in this with all the
mods. Well bought if this was your thing, but
it's been to all the dances, so just drive and
enjoy.
Anniversary package, included Ruby Red interior
and exterior, as wall as special trim. Cond:
2. SOLD AT $15,400. Too new to be collectible
and too old to be much more than a used
car. Thus, the price paid. The new owner will
have, however, the full Corvette experience for
not a lot of money. Maintain in present condition
and cost of ownership will be close to
zero. ■
66 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
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Report
S
C1
TOP 10
No. 10
#139-1957 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
E57S103196. Black/black
vinyl/red
vinyl. Odo: 76,524 miles. 283-ci 283-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Nicely and thoroughly restored.
Light swirl marks evident in paint.
Whitewalls have yellowed. Clean interior. Has
GM part number on radiator hoses. Finish on
hood latches typical of original factory production.
Fluid down both sides of master cylinder,
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
35 Corvettes Total $1m at
Eight Auctions
ummer is sports car season, and at auctions across the globe, bidders looking for a
classic cruiser or modern tire-smoker have had a ton of Corvettes to choose from.
While serious collectors continue to pay up for numbers-matching survivors and correctly
restored originals regardless of season, dealers know that it's the perfect time
of year to flip a resale red convertible. From April to July, our auction reporters were out in
the trenches, evaluating cars, watching them cross the block, and identifying market trends
in real time. That's what we do in every issue of CM.
Auctions Covered This Issue:
Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 4/30/2011—Kevin Coakley
MidAmerica Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 5/13/2011—B. Mitchell Carlson
Silver Auctions, Puyallup, WA, 5/14/2011—Jack Tockston
Bonhams, Monte Carlo, MCO, 5/20/2011—Paul Hardiman
Bonhams & Butterfields, Portland, 6/11/2011—Chad Tyson & Jim Pickering
VanDerBrinck Auctions, Adams, ND, 6/11/2011—B. Mitchell Carlson
Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 6/17/2011—B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
#506-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J585106158. Signet Red &
Snow Crest White/black cloth/black
SOLD AT $65,520. This car had had some
work done. Both doors were previously red, but
I could find no other evidence of color change
anywhere else. The driver's area was among
the dirtiest of anything at the auction, suggesting
the odometer may have rolled over, or perhaps
a previous owner just enjoyed driving in
gardening boots. There were plenty of opportunities
for improvement, but given that it had the
high-horsepower carbureted engine, I'd call it
even money. Bonhams & Butterfields,
Portland, OR, 06/11.
vinyl.
Odo: 90,343 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Cove paint cracked and chipped. Lots of
fiberglass cracking under paint. Overspray on
door weatherstrips. Driver's door out at bottom.
Crazed chrome trim. Top doesn't fit
well to body. Good interior with factory tach.
#147-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S103459. Red/white
vinyl/red & white vinyl. Odo: 92,005 miles.
283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. An older restoration.
Some dings and scratches in paint,
light pitting and small scratches in chrome.
Yellowing whitewalls. Aftermarket StewartWarner
tach in original location. Two-tone
seats. Dash grab-handle has wrinkled vinyl on
Carpet dirty and worn at driver's feet. Driver's
seat shows wear. Hurst shifter boot. Cond: 2-.
fuel staining on bottom of injection unit and
manifold. No power steering, no power brakes.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $99,450. The high sale of
the auction, this was given prime real estate
next to the auctioneer's podium, and it had
constant traffic around it. Fuelies rightfully get
the majority of attention among ‘57 ‘Vettes,
and this was a prime example. Bought fairly
well, considering its rarity. Bonhams &
Butterfields, Portland, OR, 06/11.
68 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Clean engine bay. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT
$47,000. Pretty much a 53-year-old used car, a
nice ten-footer you wouldn't be embarrassed to
be seen in around town. Nothing out of the ordinary
to put it in the big money, the high bid
should have been enough to get it done, just
shy of the low estimate by $3k. Auctions
America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#144-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S103636. Blue/white
vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 24,267 miles. 283-ci
270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Orange peel in paint,
but otherwise decent condition. Doors show
red paint underneath current blue hue. Gaps
better than expected. Newer windshield seal.
left side, perhaps from driver taking corners
faster than anticipated by passenger. Paint
chipped on steering column. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $46,800. The “new wide whitewalls” described
in the catalog looked more like lemonwalls
to me. Considering the condition and
lack of documentation, I'll call it bought about
right. Bonhams & Butterfields, Portland, OR,
06/11.
#128-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S109204. Roman Red
& white/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 1,328
miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Full
frame-off restoration, including rebuilt engine,
carb,
tranny,
diff, brakes, and suspension.
High-quality paint and clearcoat over betterthan-stock
body prep. Modern OEM windshield
wears Bloomington Gold and NCRS
decals. Minimal wear on reproduction interior
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Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
soft trim. Highly and authentically detailed
engine bay and undercarriage. Equipped with
Wonderbar radio. Earned NCRS Top Flight in
2009, Bloomington Gold certification in 2010,
Triple Crown winner and Chevyfest/Vettefest
Gold Spinner award in 2011. Cond: 1-. NOT
SOLD AT $71,000. With an $88k reserve and
a rather unsettled market for C1s—even
award-winning restorations—this was a oneway
ticket to no-sale. Consignor may have to
sit on it for a while and wait for the market to
catch up with the price of his investment.
MidAmerica, St. Paul, MN, 05/11.
#160-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867F104483. Silver &
white/gray vinyl. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Good appearance and quite appealing.
Paint and most trim good, one chip in leading
edge of hood, some of front chrome a bit
cloudy. H4 headlights. Has one split in proba-
was a large file detailing restoration work, but
that didn't really matter since, as it sat today, it
just needed to be restored again. The body
would need repairs and a repaint to bring it up
to driver condition. With a base engine,
Powerglide, and no power steering or power
brakes, this was very well sold at $10k above
the low estimate. Bonhams & Butterfields,
Portland, OR, 06/11.
#149-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S107226. Roman Red
& white/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 80,011
miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint
smooth and well done, but shows some scuffs
and chips here and there, as well as consistent
orange peel throughout. Some light marks in
chrome, panel gaps appear factory, meaning
inconsistent. Nice older interior with some
at-all-surprised. At least this one had an appealing
color combo. The miles were probably
quite genuine, with few added since restoration.
Fair price for a fair car. Bonhams &
Butterfields, Portland, OR, 06/11.
#166-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S110892. Red/red hard
top & tan cloth soft top/tan leather. Odo:
10,134 miles. 350-ci fuel-injected V8, 4-sp.
Heavily customized, with late-model 350 and
Ram Jet fuel injection system. Excellent body
prep and paint. All replated chrome, professionally
buffed out trim, door top trim heavily
scuffed. Non-OEM replacement windshield.
Non-stock leather upholstery, with C5 logo
embroidered onto seatbacks. Smaller diameter
stock-style
leather-rimmed
bly original passenger seat. NCRS sticker in
window. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $49,000.
This base-engined 1960 ‘Vette was bought in
France in 1990 and is still French registered.
Bidding stopped with a $49k phone bid against
a needed $71k–$100k. Would've been market
money in the U.S. Bonhams, Monte Carlo,
MCO, 05/11.
#148-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S103263. Honduras
Red/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 6,306 miles.
283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Gouge in driver's
door, star crack in middle of hood, sanding
scratches, too. Sub-surface issue on driver's
fender. Chrome needs to be cleaned, Corvette
emblem falling into trunk. Windshield seal
cracked all the way around. Light wear on
seats. Carpet is original, or at least old.
Whitewalls yellowing. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT
$38,610. Mentioned in the catalog description
70 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
marks from tonneau cover. Engine compartment
looks correct for a 230-hp car, with
proper air cleaner and ignition shielding in
place. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $49,140. This car
had good curb appeal, but how excited can you
get over a base-level Corvette with an automatic
transmission, even if it is in the best
color combination? This looked like an older
restoration that had held up pretty well, but it
was still just a really nice driver. Market price
for condition and options. Bonhams &
Butterfields, Portland, OR, 06/11.
#150-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S101120. Horizon
Blue & white/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo:
86,207 miles. 283-ci 230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Paint in decent form, better than a driver.
Chrome good. Trunk could use slight fit adjustment.
Newer windshield seal. Exhaust outlets
not sooted, whitewalls not yellowed. Gauge
faces clear, though tach looks much older than
others. Aftermarket stereo. Chip in steering
wheel. No power brakes. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$53,820. Another base engine, automatic
Corvette in Wally's collection. Color me not-
steering
wheel.
Light road dust on undercarriage, with moderate
paint chipping and light surface rust on the
chassis. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $49,000. My
comments regarding lot 128—the 1960
Corvette convertible with an $88k reserve—
equally apply to this car. Actually, they are
more relevant here, since modified C1s are
even more of a wild card. Quality workmanship,
but the $80k reserve will be hard to get.
MidAmerica, St. Paul, MN, 05/11.
#154-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S100504. Rally
Red/black canvas/gray vinyl & red & black
paint. Odo: 5,606 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Looks like car cover scuffs all
around, chip on driver's door edge and on hard
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Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
tonneau cover. Paint reaction around top fastener
on passenger's side. Mixed-bag interior,
with gray vinyl seats and carpet, and red and
black paint on dash. Driver's seat shows wear.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $53,820. I overheard it
said by an onlooker that, although this was
supposedly a numbers-matching car, it had no
provision for a road draft tube, which would
have been standard in 1962. The car had its
concerns for sure, especially with the questions
surrounding the engine, but the other issues
were just cosmetic and wouldn't be easy to spot
at 65 mph. It sold near mid-estimate, so I'll
call it fairly bought and sold. Bonhams &
Butterfields, Portland, OR, 06/11.
Pro Street
#S130-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S113371.
Red/red hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 54,323 miles.
383-ci 508-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A hard-top-only
car. Heavily modified, with $100k claimed
spent. Powered by 383-ci small block with
double-pumper carb and virtually all aluminum
ancillary components. M22 4-speed going
to 12-bolt 3.73 ratio Richmond Gear Posi rear
end. Original frame rails grafted on new independent
suspension. Wildest fiberglass mods
are L88-style hood and hogged-out rear wheel
wells. High quality body prep and paint, some
light body wave visible. Non-stock steering
Wheelarches radiused, presumably for drag
racing
slicks. Recent
replacement
Grand
Sport-style front clip with fixed headlights
repop knockoffs on newer radials, with mostly
repop trim. Could very well be original seats
and door panels, although
they've
been
under plexi, later model stinger hood. Engine
clean and original, save for Edelbrock 4-bbl,
chrome Hooker headers, new screen door
spring clutch return. Stock interior shows age.
Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $27,500. SplitWindow
coupes are highly collectible, but deviations
from stock tend to negatively impact
value and interest. This example had a '60s
drag racing persona with no history offered,
no owner information, and many “what a
waste” comments from potential bidders.
Seller has two options if he wants more attention
from bidders: either improve the presentation
by refinishing the main bodywork to match
the front, or restore the car's originality. At this
price, owner was right to hold and ponder next
move. Silver Auctions, Puyallup, WA, 05/11.
#419-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S115949. Burgundy/black
leather. Odo: 44,793 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Superb paint over good prep, not
sure of color authenticity. Claimed to have new
suspension bushings, bearings, and ball joints.
Minor sanding marks in glass. Glass gaskets
cracking. Slightly grungy engine bay. Nice in-
wheel, Hurst shifter, and AM/FM/cassette.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $58,300. Described as a
“frame off restoration.” Granted, they put a
ton of work into it, but this was several exits
and a rest stop away from being a restoration.
After it was declared a post-block sale, shortly
after leaving the auction block, I was getting a
few more images of it and talked to the new
owner's wife. She gave him the OK to buy it,
but audibly wondered, “What is my husband
getting into?” Mecum Auctions, St. Paul,
MN, 06/11.
C2
#129-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 308375113810. Eng.
#
308375113810. Daytona Blue/Daytona Blue
vinyl. Odo: 53,094 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Dark color set off with chrome
sidepipes and Crager S/S mags. Good paint,
new emblems, original
glass, windshield
chipped and deeply wiper-scarred. Paint badly
scratched, with heavy crazing in places.
72 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
re-dyed. Dealer accessory seat belts. Repro
carpeting shows minimal wear and soiling.
Tidy engine bay. Lots of blue sealant ooze
throughout engine. Older aftermarket exhaust
system. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $33,920. This
didn't have authenticity going for it, but it
would be a nice cruise-night car if you just
want to drive and not even contemplate making
it correct. If that was so, bought well enough.
Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
#325-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 19467S125322. Milano
Maroon/black vinyl. Odo: 15,058 miles. 327-ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Show-quality paint, nice panel
gaps, chrome and stainless very nicely presented.
Excellent
interior, nice engine bay
looks stock. Lots of documentation on-hand.
terior with new carpet, radio delete. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $37,400. Coming in just above midestimate,
this really nice presentation could
have easily made a #2 condition rating with
some new glass gaskets, glass polishing, and
an engine detail. The new owner should realize
some solid upside with minimal expense.
Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#S83-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S114735. Medium
blue metallic/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo:
53,890 miles. 327-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Originally left St. Louis painted Silver Blue,
nothing like current blue. Body wavy. Wears
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $50,000. This was a
very clean car with little to fault, and good
documentation to boot. It might do slightly
more than this on a different day, but the seller
is misinformed if he thinks it's going to pull 427
money. Top bid seemed like a fair offer for a
327 with a 4-speed. Auctions America by RM,
Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#S93-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S123758. Silver
Pearl/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 32,426
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Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Miles
claimed actual. Repainted in 2002 in similarto-stock
manner, great but not stunning. Same
with underhood and undercarriage detailing
(great but not stunning). Limited light wear
and soiling on mostly reproduction interior.
Equipped with teakwood steering wheel, both
types of tops, full tinted glass, power brakes,
power antenna, and AM/FM stereo. Knockoff
wheels shod with modern radial tires. Cond:
2-. NOT SOLD AT $62,000. It was stated on
the block that it would take $110k to get it sold.
Might was well have been bid to $50 against a
$3.4 million reserve. Not that it doesn't have a
chance of pulling that kind of money somewhere
else; just not here. A weekend later out
at Bloomington Gold, it was bid to $85k, still
not enough to sell (CM# 179628). Mecum
Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
#525-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S122787. Rally
Red/black cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 75,279 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Doors drop
when opened, glass rattles in doors. Good
chrome and stainless, weatherstripping pretty
much shot. New carpet, interior otherwise ac-
Missouri, September 2009 (CM# 142919);
sold by Mecum in Kansas City again at
$56,710, December 2009 (CM# 153269); and
not sold by Collector Car Productions at
$54,868, Toronto, April 2010 (CM# 160423).
Well sold, and coming to an auction near you.
Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#520-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S103874. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl. Odo: 35,524 miles. 327-ci
350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Decent paint and body,
right door closes hard. Driver-quality chrome
and stainless. Clean engine bay. Nice interior.
The whole car would benefit from a good de-
previous reporter put it, “High bid was light
but not by much.” Auctions America by RM,
Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#S90-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S708389. Riverside
Gold/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 32,124
miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. N.O.M.
390-hp big block. Optional power steering,
windows, locks, tilt/telescopic column, and
a/c. Decade-old frame-off restoration holding
up very well. Heavier wax residue in most
body and trim crevices. Better-than-stock door
gaps and fit, although there's heavier paint
tail. Sits high in the back, which suggests a
new spring was fitted sometime recently. Fitted
with Redline tires and side exhaust. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $59,400. This car beat its low estimate
by $4k, and I'd call it strong money for a
ho-hum presentation. Well sold, but no harm
done. Let the top-down cruising begin.
Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
C3
ceptable, with wear commensurate with age.
Steering column needs new bearings. Decent
engine bay. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $45,000.
No documentation on an average Corvette.
For a base-engined ‘67 in need of attention,
$45k should have gotten the deal done.
Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#404-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible.
S/N 194677S118550. Rally
Red/white cloth/black & white leather. Odo:
37,261 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Nice paint over good prep work. Redlines,
sidepipes, clean engine bay. Nice interior, although
seats are a little grungy. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $67,100. Wow, this one's making the
rounds, lets see: sold by Mecum at $55,000,
#192-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S407805. Rally
Red/white cloth/black
vinyl.
Odo:
75,273
miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fresh paint with
lots of orange peel. Decent panel fit, top doesn't
fit well, right door drops when opened.
Passenger's side glass badly and repeatedly
scratched. Replacement motor with chrome
dress-up bits, originally a 427 car and badged
as such. Interior nicely presented. Cond: 3-.
wear in door jambs. Tidy interior, with all
repop soft trim and an aftermarket AM/FM/
cassette deck.
Chromed or polished master
cylinder cover, alternator housing, and nonstock
oil fill cap. Offered at no reserve. Cond:
3+. SOLD AT $27,295. While pretty on the
outside, the devil's in the details, and this one
just didn't warrant anything more than was
paid here. Show me some sort of provenance
verification and that could be debated, but as it
sits, this was more than enough paid. Mecum
Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
#175-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1A37K25522281. Targa Blue/black
vinyl. Odo: 96,000 miles. 350-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl,
auto. Good body prep, repaint, and
clearcoat. Door gaps quite even, although rear
of passenger's door sits slightly low. Modern
PPG windshield. Original interior, light carpet
wear, wrinkling on seat bottoms. Light seam
splitting starting on door panels. Tidy engine
bay, with good paint detailing, including fresh
Kansas City, March 2009 (CM# 120052); not
sold at $40,000 at the Branson auction in
74 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
NOT SOLD AT $23,000. A no-sale on Friday,
this was in the corral for $27.5k. Also a recent
no-sale at Auctions America by RM Carlisle in
April 2010 at $20,000 (CM# 177760).
Described then as “tired looking,” the paint
job on the quick didn't help this one out. As the
exhaust manifold dressing. Non-stock hose
clamps. Equipped with power steering, deluxe
wheel covers, and AM/FM. Typo on Iowa title,
as “S” assembly plant code is marked “5.”
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $21,000. The auctioneer
declared, “The seller really wants to
leave it in Minnesota, so 22 grand will buy it
today.” Hopefully it wasn't because of the title
error. While not an end-of-the-world issue,
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Corvettes across the block
there's no way you should pay full price for a
car that will take extra time and money just to
get properly titled and registered. MidAmerica,
St Paul, MN, 05/11.
#216-1973 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37J3S412403. Mille Miglia
Red/red vinyl & cloth. Odo: 81,852 miles. 350ci,
4-bbl, auto. Nice paint, chrome, and stainless
trim, left door handle pitted. Windshield
glass delaminating. Well presented interior.
Driver-quality engine bay, with missing distributor
cover, aftermarket air
cleaner and
braided dress-up hoses added. Cond: 3. NOT
1Z8748S434176. Silver & charcoal/Oyster
leather. Odo: 2,762 miles. 350-ci 225-hp V8,
4-bbl,
auto. Miles actual, with oil change
sticker in door jamb indicating it was changed
at 2,009 miles on November 9, 1984 (and
hopefully at least once more since then).
Retains most original documentation from
when it was sold new in Bemidji, MN.
these “sure investments” (many paying well
over MSRP) only to see a whopping 6,502 cars
eventually built to satisfy dealer and customer
demand. Though better-maintained examples
are plentiful, and most auctions have one or
two, the buyer chose to buy a car with spendy
restoration needs and upside-down investment
potential for too much money. Well sold. Silver
Auctions, Puyallup, WA, 05/11.
#3N-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace
Car
Edition coupe. S/N
Well preserved original paint and interior.
Windshield
delaminating.
SOLD AT $12,000. A no-sale on Friday, this
car remained on offer in the corral at $18k.
While I agree $12k might be low, it was not by
much, and chasing another couple thousand
dollars could be costly. Either take the money,
or wait for the market to catch up. But you
could be waiting a while. Auctions America by
RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#165-1977 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37L7S444477.
White/red
leather. Odo: 86,220 miles. 350-ci 180-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Older repaint with some light buffthrough
over the years. Good quality non-stock
tape pinstriping. Aside from chrome master
cylinder cover, engine bay generally stock, but
never cleaned. All-original interior, with commensurate
wear for indicated 86k miles.
Leather worn glossy. Original mats worn, over
Driver's-side
A-pillar-to-interior-trim gap filled with what
looks like almond-colored caulk. Engine bay
mostly time-capsule correct for '78. Optional
cruise control and AM/FM/8-track, and alloy
rims. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $13,250. One could
make the snide comment that the reason it had
so few miles on it is because it was only driven
on warm sunny days in Burrrr-midji,
Minnesota. The optional rear window defroster
is almost a default option up here, and I'm
surprised it didn't have a block heater (if you
have no idea what a block heater is, consider
yourself lucky). You'd be hard-pressed to spend
less for a Benchmark-ready car, so bought
well. Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
#9-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace
Car
Edition coupe. S/N
1Z8748S903682. Black & silver/silver. Odo:
78,425 miles. 350-ci 220-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
All panels blemished by scratches, dings, and
chips. Mirrored glass tops good, painted rear
glass-surround peeling, weatherseals failing.
Silver
replacement
seat
leather
over dead
foam, steering wheel leather badly cracked,
inoperative
clock. Fitted with aftermarket
radio and rear speakers. Filthy original engine
bay, aftermarket air cleaner, hood insulation
heavily stained by coolant. On factory alloys
LZ87L8S904975. Silver & black/silver leather.
Odo: 19,103 miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Claimed essentially original and showing
actual miles. Equipped with optional tinted
roof panels, and pace car decals applied.
Claimed to have all-original paint, but old
overspray is visible on body tag. Several deep
scrapes on right rear quarter-panel.
Reproduction
seat
upholstery, serviceable
original door panels and carpeting. Aftermarket
8-track in glove box. All-original engine bay
looks more neglected than maintained. Freshly
rebuilt carburetor, coolant flush, transmission
service. On new OEM tires. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $24,000. After the auction, I asked Yvette
what her secret was for selling ‘78 Pace Cars
over the money, and she told me if I figure it out
to let her know. The price didn't make sense to
her or me, except perhaps that the car was sold
to a phone bidder in New Jersey. VanDerBrink
Auctions, Adams, ND, 06/11.
Silver Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
1Z87L8S408790.
#2N-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Two-tone silver/Oyster
leather. Odo: 28,266 miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Claimed essentially original and
with actual indicated mileage. Freshly rebuilt
good original carpet. Mufflers rotting out.
Optional power steering, brakes, door locks,
and windows, a/c, and tilt/tele column. '80s
radials on period aftermarket kidney bean alloy
wheels. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $8,000.
Although it had yet to be taken apart and restored,
the seller shouldn't mistake this for a
Bloomington Survivor. Top bid was totally realistic.
MidAmerica, St Paul, MN, 05/11.
25th
#S54-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
76 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
with servicable Goodyear Eagle GTs. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $9,936. 1978 was the first year
Corvettes paced Indy, and Chevy celebrated by
producing one “Limited Edition” pace car
replica for each dealership. Collectors grabbed
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Corvettes across the block
carb, brake fluid flush, new stock-style exhaust.
Very original paint flaking in door panels and
chipping on edges and front fascia. Presentable
original interior, carpet loosening around console.
Various engine
components
tossed behind seat, including belt for a/c compressor.
Aftermarket three-prong spinner center
caps on three wheels. Bone-stock engine
bay—more ignored than maintained. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $11,250. While lot 3N, the '78 Pace
Car, went far and beyond what should have
been realistic, the price achieved for this Silver
Anniversary car was somewhat in line with reality.
One could almost make the argument that
this was bought well. Almost. VanDerBrink
Auctions, Adams, ND, 06/11.
#104-1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z878AS420728. Dark
Claret/Oyster cloth. Odo: 55,293 miles. 350-ci
190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Newer lackadaisical
repaint, with heavier overspray on undercarriage
and weak coverage on door tops. Heavier
crazing of door and glass seals. Aftermarket
center console T-pad and DIN-mount stereo in
stock radio location. Balance of interior is
original and shows lighter wear than expected.
Bowling Green in its first year of production
there, out of 8,995 cars built in 1981. Bowling
Green C3s picked up a few years ago, and
seem to have weathered the broader market's
recent ups and downs by simply stagnating.
Seller let it go at $13,500, and while not cheap,
it was a respectable buy for a respectable car.
Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
#177-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8788C5105764. Park
Gray/mirrored glass/dark gray leather. Odo:
29,500 miles. 350-ci 200-hp fuel-injected V8,
4-sp. Good body gaps, nice paint with some
minor touch-ups. Wheels could stand a polishing.
Acceptable interior, carpet inserts separat-
alloy wheels highly polished with new
Firestone Firehawks, otherwise claimed all
original. However, odd iridescent sheen to
paint, plain red paint in jambs, only minimal
nicks on nose. Heavier seat wear than expected.
Aftermarket engine call-out decal on center
console. Recently cleaned but not detailed
under the hood. Dual power leather sport seats.
Late model year production, retaining Motor
Trend Car of the Year decal in hatch glass.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $11,000. I really
don't think this had original paint. Don't blame
it on the lighting in the building either, as no
paint on any other cars had this type of sheen.
Regardless, no one else was buying it either.
$13k reserve was way out of line for the least
-desirable-year Corvette. MidAmerica, St.
Paul, MN, 05/11.
#F35-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY6780G5902938.
Black/black cloth/tan leather. Odo: 104,074
miles. 350-ci 230-hp fuel-injected V8, manual.
Indy Pace Car decals included with car have
been applied. Oh-so-1980s gold-toned C4 emblems,
inside and out. Good over-buffed repaint
with heavy overspray on undercarriage
and mufflers. Seat upholstery has far too little
wear to be original, yet fits well. Steering
wheel leather peeling, console lid very heavily
Older engine bay cleanup, but now has light
dust and oil seepage. Newer replacement master
cylinder and booster. Optional tinted glass
roof panels, tilt/tele steering column, cruise
control, and alloy rims. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD
AT $11,000. The auctioneer stated while it
rolled off the block, “$13,000 buys it.” Well, by
my calculations the high bid of $11k was generous.
Definitely should've sold. MidAmerica,
St. Paul, MN, 05/11.
#F50-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8769B5106063. Two-tone
Claret/red leather. Odo: 38,017 miles. 350-ci
190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Second owner of 27
years claims actual miles showing. Well kept
original paint reminds us that Bowling Green
always had issues with orange peel. Two fairsized
stone chips on front bumper. Light wear
and fading on original interior. One seam starting
to let go on passenger's seat back. Virtually
all original under the hood and freshly cleaned
up, with rust on brake master cylinder and dull
finished aluminum throughout. Optional twotone
paint,
tinted roof panels, power door
locks, and AM/FM/cassette. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $14,840. Built toward the end of the model
year, this was the 6,063rd Corvette to leave
78 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
ing from door panels. Driver-quality engine
bay. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $12,650. This car, for
better or worse, was about the top of the heap
in 1982, and this one was still holding up pretty
well. All things considered, a fair price for a
nice car. Auctions America by RM, Auburn,
IN, 05/11.
C4
#130-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0788E5148795. Red/red
painted panel/red leather. Odo: 40,301 miles.
350-ci 205-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Miles
believed actual. Converted to R134 a/c, stock
faded, upper door panels cracking. Shiftpattern
insert missing from heavily worn shift
knob. Clean, ho-hum engine bay. Optional 4+3
manual and dual power leather sport seats.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $8,500. Previously sold for
$8,000 at Kruse Auctions' sale in Ft.
Laurderdale, January, 2002 (CM# 25133).
Although every 1986 convertible was an Indy
Pace Car Edition (even though the actual car
was yellow), very few are seen today with the
decals actually stuck on the car. That made this
one different, but not special. Anything past the
$7,500 had to be due to the red mist. Sold well.
Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
#630-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3184H5109926.
Red/white cloth/red
leather. Odo: 36,404
miles. 350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Nice paint appears to be original and holding
up well. Good gaps all around. Weatherstrips
around glass dried and cracked. Leather interior
exhibits nice patina, carpet starting to separate
from door panels. Aftermarket stereo.
Engine bay as you'd expect for miles and age:
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Corvettes across the block
not horrible but not ready to show. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $12,375. This sold at Auctions
America in Fort Lauderdale in March 2011 for
$11,100, then was a $10k no-sale at Auctions
America by RM's Carlisle sale. At least the
transporters are making money hauling it all
over the place. This was all the money.
Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
coupe.
#F27-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
S/N 1G1YY2182H5120448.
White/gray cloth. Odo: 50,541 miles. 350-ci
240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Miles believed
actual since new. Some panel touch-up, with
light overspray on door glass seals. Door sill
paint original and discolored where at weatherseals.
Aftermarket DIN-mount in-dash AM/
FM/CD stereo and chrome door sill trim, rest
miles. 350-ci 345-hp turbocharged V8, manual.
Miles actual, car with second owner. Spoiled
rotten since new, with heavily polished original
paint, plus scrub-free original wheels and tires.
Claimed that top has only been down three
times, and looks the part. Dual power leather
sport seats have more wrinkles than expected.
Accessory chrome door sill carpet protectors
fitted. Heavier surface rust on Callawayinstalled
exhaust system, but rest of undercarriage
near new. “Near new” also describes
engine bay, apart from a replacement battery.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $22,790. One of the 188
first-year Callaway Twin Turbos, and one of 65
drop-tops so equipped. Find me another with
less miles that sold for less, and then I won't
call this well bought. Even if you can, I'll still
call it well bought. Mecum Auctions, St. Paul,
MN, 06/11.
#F54-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3187J5111661.
Black/black leather. Odo: 100,465 miles. 350ci
245-hp fuel-injected V8, manual. Average
older repaint, faded exterior emblems. Rusty
e-brake handle. Aftermarket DIN-mount Sony
CD stereo, black plastic door sill guards, and
shift knob. Aftermarket stereo amp and speakers
mounted in parcel compartment. Seats
heavily worn and discolored. Dealer-grade engine
compartment detailing. Fitted with lowbudget
cat-back
exhaust. Newer Michelin
minor bolster wear on driver's seat, slight yellowing
of white leather, carpet separation on
door panel. Driver-quality engine bay. Cond:
3+. NOT SOLD AT $11,600. A nice, low-mile
example bid to a fair price for an Anniversary
Edition, considering that lesser examples are
regularly changing hands for 40% less.
Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#90-1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3185K5113510.
Black/black cloth/black leather. Odo: 62,078
miles. 350-ci 245-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Gold-tone C4 emblems, inside and out. Good
original paint, even if it's heavily buffed out.
Original soft top moderately worn and weathered,
but still quite
serviceable. Moderate
of interior original and well cared for. Recently
cleaned and generally tidy engine bay, but
nothing like a show car. Stock alloy wheels in
non-stock chrome finish, older tires past halfway
point. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $6,000.
While not a bad car, this wasn't much more
than a decent used car. It never really took off
while crossing the block. Actually, it barely
stopped while going across the block, as only a
few dealers seemed to have any interest in it.
Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
Best Buy #S60-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Callaway Twin Turbo convertible.
S/N 1G1YY3189H5121330. Dark red
metallic/tan
cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 7,380
seat wear for miles indicated. DIN-mount CD
stereo.
Used-car dealer-grade
underhood
radials on stock rims. Equipped with optional
4+3 manual transmission and dual power
leather sport seats. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$8,500. 1988 was the final year for the 4-speed
manual transmission with electric overdrive.
As the new transmission in 1989 was the vastly
improved 6-speed, no Corvette was ever offered
with a 5-speed transmission—manual or
automatic. Despite the consignor's claims that
this was investment-grade, it was a daily driver
and nothing more. Reserve lifted was at $7,500,
so sold well enough. Mecum Auctions, St.
Paul, MN, 06/11.
35th
#209-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
1G1YY2182J5116664. White/smoked
glass/white & black leather. Odo: 8,800 miles.
350-ci 245-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Black
finish worn through on roof arch, otherwise
good paint and gaps. Interior nicely preserved,
80 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
cleanup and detailing. Fitted with aftermarket
cat-back stainless-steel exhaust system, rear
undercarriage-mounted detachable CB radio
antenna, and combination rear spoiler/luggage
rack. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $10,700. This all but
rolled off the block as a $10k no-sale, but the
consignor dropped the reserve right at the end,
and it was hammered sold. Price was about
right for a hold-out from the gold chain era.
MidAmerica, St. Paul, MN, 05/11.
#F60-1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2183K5115931. Red/red
leather. Odo: 155,926 miles. 350-ci 345-hp
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Corvettes across the block
fuel-injected V8, auto. Masked-off repaint,
light on the masking. Overspray under door
handles and on door and window seals. Very
fresh matte black paint on undercarriage. New
lambswool-type seat covers hide botched redye
job on heavily worn original leather. Redyed
door panels and aftermarket door armrest
overlay pad. Aftermarket two-tone steering
wheel cover. Very presentable engine bay. New
Michelins still have label on tread. Runs out
well, and claimed to have been recently serviced,
though no documentation shown. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $6,700. Called a “frame-on
restoration,” meaning a repaint and new seat
covers. This needed a bunch of work, and at
the price paid, there's no upside to doing it.
Well sold. Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN,
06/11.
#183-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J0M5801196.
Red/red leather. Odo: 7,500 miles. 5.7-L 375hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Immaculate ZR-1.
Light scratches on front end. Doors close solidly.
Equipped with heads-up display. Seats
bolster wear. Tidy engine bay, but not detailed.
Equipped with optional Selective Ride Control,
dual power sport seats, CD/cassette DelcoBose
stereo, plus polished alloy wheels with newer
Michelin Pilot
$15,515. This seemed more a summer-use used
car more than a babied collectible, so the reserve
was rightfully lifted when the bidding
petered out. All the money in the world, regardless
of limited miles—call it sold well.
MidAmerica, St. Paul, MN, 05/11.
well bolstered. Interior as-new. Cond: 2+.
SOLD AT $26,910. The first of three ZR-1s at
the sale, this sat very prettily. Only question
was just how long had it been sitting there?
That said, at this price the car was bought
fairly, but just barely. See C4 profile p. 30.
Bonhams & Butterfields, Portland, OR,
06/11.
coupe.
#187-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
S/N 1G1YZ23J1P5800028.
Competition Yellow/gray leather. Odo: 15,975
miles. 5.7-L 405-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp.
Windshield is delaminating. Driver's door seal
splitting. Car otherwise presents as immaculate.
Very noticeable yellow, even between two
other ZR-1s. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $26,910.
This sold for the same money as the red ‘91
ZR-1, but had more than twice as many miles
and a couple more cosmetic issues. But this
was the first year the LT5 had 405 hp, so I'll
82 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
control, and rear window defroster, and rolling
on newer non-OEM touring tires. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $12,985. Just when I figured that
this C4 was going to dawdle to a long, slow,
and excruciatingly tedious no-sale, the reserve
got dropped at $10,750. Then, everyone ignored
that it was a green car and the bidding
took off again. Not a bargain-basement special,
but worth the money spent for a good car.
Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
Best Buy #188-1995 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE ZR-1 coupe. S/N
SOLD AT $25,440. Claimed to be one of 16
yellow LT4 convertibles built. Perhaps others
are taking notice of what I've stated for awhile:
that LT4s are sleepers in the market and are
one of the best C4s to buy as a long-term investment.
Overall condition probably ruled the
day more than the LT4 option, but it certainly
helped. Only Grand Sports pull more money
than this car brought, and every single one of
them is powered by an LT4. Improved and
spiffed up from the last time I saw this at
Bloomington Gold two years ago in 2009
(CM# 120824), where it was a no-sale at
$21,000. Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN,
06/11.
#F94-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32P9R5120976. Polo
Green/black cloth/black leather. Odo: 68,154
miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Very well kept original paint, with only a few
light stone chips on nose to detract. Excellent
original top with minimal weathering. Heavier
wear on driver's seat, steering wheel rim, and
door sill carpet. Tidy and clean under the hood,
with newer non-OEM battery. Equipped with
optional dual power seats, electronic climate
say it balances out. Bonhams & Butterfields,
Portland, OR, 06/11. See C4 profile p. 30.
#126-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32P4R5119184.
Red/black cloth/black
leather. Odo: 50,529
miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Car believed essentially original with actual
indicated miles. Well kept original paint, with
minimal road debris chipping. Commensurate
interior wear, aside from heavier outboard side
tires. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
as-new condition, inside and out. Aftermarket
exhaust fitted. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $31,590.
Nothing else indicated damage, but I'm curious
as to why there was overspray on the nose
of the car—did someone just bump a curb, or
are we talking something much more substantial
here? This last-year and most refined ZR-1
sold for $5k over the other two at the auction,
but still well under estimate. Well bought. See
C4 profile p. 30. Bonhams & Butterfields,
Portland, OR, 06/11.
#S132-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3258T5104306.
Competition Yellow/black cloth/black leather.
Odo: 18,041 miles. 350-ci 330-hp fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. Optional LT4, dual power seats, electronic
climate control, and DelcoBose cassette/
CD. Aside from Borla exhaust system, a virtually
all-original car, including the Goodyear
tires, which are starting to show heavier wear
but are still legal on the street and retain their
original inspection stamps on the sidewalls.
Consigning dealer's sticker on replacement
windshield. Like-new top and engine bay.
Light but noticeable seat wear is no worse than
a typical late C4 with low miles. Cond: 2-.
1G1YZ22J6S5800181. White/black leather.
Odo: 7,677 miles. 5.7-L 405-hp fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. Paintwork evident on nose, overspray
on passenger's-side turn signal. Otherwise in
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C5
#541-2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G2Y5110900. Yellow &
white/black leather. Odo: 8,900 miles. 5.7-L
350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Never titled,
used as pace car at Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
Flashing light electronics take up much of storage
behind seat. Good panel fit, loud stick-on
graphics, clean engine bay with NAPA battery.
Decent interior. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $32,175.
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
Stored during winter months, with second
owner since 13k miles. Well kept original
paint, although has large dealer sticker on
rump. Corvettes of Minnesota decal on passenger's
door glass. Minimal weathering of
Bid to a no-sale price of $32,500 at Auctions
America's Fort Lauderdale sale in March
2011, then a $21k no-sale at Auctions America
by RM's Carlisle sale the next month (CM#
177783). Price paid here seems like the current
market. See the C5 profile p. 32. Auctions
America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#S115-2002 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Lingenfelter
Z06 coupe.
S/N
1G1YY12SX25123562. Black & blue/black &
blue leather. Odo: 11,050 miles. 5.7-L 500-hp
supercharged V8, 6-sp. Custom paint, lighting,
ground effects, interior trim, and stereo system,
filling rear of car to the trunk lid. A one-owner
car, stated to have had a “body-off restoration
by Lingenfelter,” but no mention when. Most
likely just before it was featured in the
December 2005 issue of Performance Auto/
Sound magazine. No exterior Corvette em-
soft top. Aftermarket door-pull leather cover
and door panel arm-rest pads. Otherwise original
interior shows virtually no wear and has
slight hint of new car smell. Clean, well kept
undercarriage and engine bay. Sold with transferrable
extended warranty. Optional Selective
Ride Control. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $25,413.
Since C4s and newer don't fare well in the
snow (due more to lack of ground clearance
than lack of traction), Corvettes from up here
can be good buys simply because they are only
used half of the year. That appeared to be the
case here. The bidding plodded along until the
reserve was lifted at $19k. Then it was bid on
rather heartily until the end. MidAmerica, St.
Paul, MN, 05/11.
C6
#S149-2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY36U975127391.
Victory Red/black cloth/black & red leather.
Odo: 11,324 miles. 6.0-L 400-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. GM Accessory hood and trunk lid
graphics
kit, plus red Z06 brake calipers.
Factory-optional paddle shift 6-speed automatic,
3LT package, chrome alloy wheels, red
accented interior package, and navigation.
Aftermarket
Beltronics
blems or markings. Plus-one sized LPE wheels
and Michelin Pilot radials. High quality workmanship
overall, with minimal wear, even if
taste of said work depends upon viewer's discretion.
Optional Head Up Display and
Memory Package. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT
$75,000. Pimp my Z06. Stated that it would
take $100k to get it bought, however, when it
showed up at Bloomington Gold a week later,
the magical figure became $125k. Sort of like
the rest of the car, they made it up as they went.
Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
50th
Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
1G1YY32GX35126633.
port
C5
#541-2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G2Y5110900. Yellow &
white/black leather. Odo: 8,900 miles. 5.7-L
350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Never titled,
used as pace car at Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
Flashing light electronics take up much of stor-
age behind seat. Good panel fit, loud stick-on
graphics, clean engine bay with NAPA battery.
Decent interior. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $32,175.
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
Stored during winter months, with second
owner since 13k miles. Well kept original
paint, although has large dealer sticker on
rump. Corvettes of Minnesota decal on pas-
senger's door glass. Minimal weathering of
Bid to a no-sale price of $32,500 at Auctions
America's Fort Lauderdale sale in March
2011, then a $21k no-sale at Auctions America
by RM's Carlisle sale the next month (CM#
177783). Price paid here seems like the current
market. See the C5 profile p. 32. Auctions
America by RM, Auburn, IN, 05/11.
#S115-2002 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Lingenfelter
Z06 coupe.
S/N
1G1YY12SX25123562. Black & blue/black &
blue leather. Odo: 11,050 miles. 5.7-L 500-hp
supercharged V8, 6-sp. Custom paint, lighting,
ground effects, interior trim, and stereo system,
filling rear of car to the trunk lid. A one-owner
car, stated to have had a “body-off restoration
by Lingenfelter,” but no mention when. Most
likely just before it was featured in the
December 2005 issue of Performance Auto/
Sound magazine. No exterior Corvette em-
soft top. Aftermarket door-pull leather cover
and door panel arm-rest pads. Otherwise origi-
nal interior shows virtually no wear and has
slight hint of new car smell. Clean, well kept
undercarriage and engine bay. Sold with trans-
ferrable extended warranty. Optional Selective
Ride Control. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $25,413.
Since C4s and newer don't fare well in the
snow (due more to lack of ground clearance
than lack of traction), Corvettes from up here
can be good buys simply because they are only
used half of the year. That appeared to be the
case here. The bidding plodded along until the
reserve was lifted at $19k. Then it was bid on
rather heartily until the end. MidAmerica, St.
Paul, MN, 05/11.
C6
#S149-2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY36U975127391.
Victory Red/black cloth/black & red leather.
Odo: 11,324 miles. 6.0-L 400-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. GM Accessory hood and trunk lid
graphics
kit, plus red Z06 brake calipers.
Factory-optional paddle shift 6-speed auto-
matic, 3LT package, chrome alloy wheels, red
accented interior package, and navigation.
Aftermarket
Beltronics
blems or markings. Plus-one sized LPE wheels
and Michelin Pilot radials. High quality work-
manship overall, with minimal wear, even if
taste of said work depends upon viewer's dis-
cretion.
Optional Head Up Display and
Memory Package. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT
$75,000. Pimp my Z06. Stated that it would
take $100k to get it bought, however, when it
showed up at Bloomington Gold a week later,
the magical figure became $125k. Sort of like
the rest of the car, they made it up as they went.
Mecum Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11.
50th
Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
1G1YY32GX35126633.
#121-2003
#121-2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Anniversary
Red/Shale cloth/Shale leather. Odo: 19,510
miles. 5.7-L 350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
light nicks. Perhaps a bit too much silicone was
used to prep the interior, but it does show that
the car was overall very well cared for. Cond:
2-. NOT SOLD AT $37,500. Not exactly
Bowling Green bone stock, but everything
done to the car was done at the Chevy dealer
when it was new. Which in itself will pose a
new set of questions on how these well-caredfor
examples will be classified by NCRS and
Bloomington Gold in future years. As for today,
the final bid was not out of line. Mecum
Auctions, St. Paul, MN, 06/11. ■
Jammer
installed.
Well-cared-for original paint, with only a few
Page 84
By the
Numbers
Top 85 Corvette Sales at Auction
April 2011 through July 2011*
1971 Chevrolet Corvette 454/425 ZR2 convertible, sold for $434,600 at Mecum, St. Charles
Rank Year
Model
1 1971 Chevrolet Corvette 454/425 ZR2 convertible
2 1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427/430 L88 coupe
3 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 L71 convertible
4 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 L84 Fuelie coupe
5 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/250 convertible
6 1964 Chevrolet Corvette convertible
1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 L71 convertible
8 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 L72 convertible
9 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 L71 coupe
10 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/400 L68 convertible
11 1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 L71 convertible
12 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible
1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/375 L84 Fuelie coupe
14 1964 Chevrolet Corvette LS7 Custom
15 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/390 L36 coupe
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 L72 convertible
17 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 L71 convertible
1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/638 Custom convertible
19 1954 Chevrolet Corvette RHD roadster
20 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/375 L84 Fuelie coupe
1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Fuelie convertible
22 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible
23 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/245 convertible
24 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 283/315 Fuelie convertible
25 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283 Fuelie convertible
26 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible
27 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/430 L88 replica
28 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 396/425 L78 coupe
86 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Sold Price
Location
$434,600 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$222,600 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$166,950 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$159,000 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$151,050 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$140,450 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$140,450 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$127,200 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$124,020 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$121,900 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
Lot #
Date
S99 6/24/2011
S134 5/17/2011
S128 5/17/2011
S119 5/17/2011
S68 6/24/2011
F139 5/17/2011
S76 6/24/2011
F280 5/17/2011
T232 5/17/2011
S115 6/24/2011
$121,000 Barrett-Jackson, Orange County, CA 357.1 6/24/2011
$116,600 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$116,600 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$115,540 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$111,300 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$111,300 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$108,650 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$108,650 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$107,277 Shannons, Melbourne, AUS
$106,000 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$106,000 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$102,820 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$101,760 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$101,200 Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX
$99,450 Bonhams & Butterfields, Portland, OR
S90 6/24/2011
S35 6/24/2011
F131 5/17/2011
S79 5/17/2011
S87 6/24/2011
S171 5/17/2011
F255.1 5/17/2011
36
7/10/2011
S130 5/17/2011
S123 6/24/2011
S22 6/24/2011
S85 6/24/2011
69
4/30/2011
139 6/11/2011
$99,000 Barrett-Jackson, Orange County, CA 367.2 6/24/2011
$98,050 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$95,400 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
F211 5/17/2011
F229 5/17/2011
*Auction sales as recorded from April 26 through July 10 in the Corvette Market Digital Plus database (www.corvettemarket.com).
Page 85
Rank Year
Model
29 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/390 L36 convertible
30 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 L84 Fuelie coupe
31 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/245 convertible
1965 Chevrolet Corvette 396/425 L78 convertible
33 1968 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 L71 coupe
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 Custom
1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Big Brake Fuelie
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 L72 convertible
37 1971 Chevrolet Corvette 454/425 LS6 coupe
1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Fuelie convertible
39 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 L72 coupe
40 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290
41 1954 Chevrolet Corvette 235/150 roadster
42 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/283 convertible
1965 Chevrolet Corvette 396/425 L78 convertible
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Callaway 378/606 convertible
45 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom convertible
46 1957 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible
47 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 L72 coupe
48 1954 Chevrolet Corvette 235/150 roadster
49 1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Fuelie convertible
50 1964 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 L75 convertible
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 L72 convertible
52 1970 Chevrolet Corvette 350/370 LT1 coupe
1955 Chevrolet Corvette 265/195 roadster
54 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/375 L84 Fuelie convertible
55 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 283 convertible
56 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 L71 convertible
57 1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327 convertible
58 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 L75 coupe
1961 Chevrolet Corvette 350/300 convertible
2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 AAT
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
1954 Chevrolet Corvette 235/150 roadster
1959 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible
1960 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible
1961 Chevrolet Corvette 283/230 convertible
1961 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible
1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 L84 Fuelie coupe
1965 Chevrolet Corvette 396/425 L78 coupe
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Big Tank coupe
70 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/390 L36 convertible
71 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 L72 convertible
72 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 L71 coupe
73 1956 Chevrolet Corvette 265/210 convertible
74 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/365
75 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/245 convertible
1961 Chevrolet Corvette 283/315 racer
1964 Chevrolet Corvette 327/375 L84 Fuelie convertible
78 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 327/350 L79 convertible
79 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 327/350 L79 convertible
1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/450 L72 convertible
1963 Chevrolet Corvette coupe
82 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/390 L36 convertible
1998 Chevrolet Corvette LS7 convertible
84 1959 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible
85 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327/350 L79 convertible
Sold Price
Location
$94,340 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$92,750 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$91,160 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$91,160 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$90,100 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$90,100 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$90,100 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$90,100 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$89,040 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$89,040 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$88,510 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$87,450 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$86,900 Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX
$84,800 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$84,800 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$84,800 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$84,700 Barrett-Jackson, Orange County, CA
$82,680 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$82,500 Barrett-Jackson, Orange County, CA
$82,150 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$81,620 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$80,560 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$80,560 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$79,500 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$79,500 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$78,440 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$78,100 Barrett-Jackson, Orange County, CA
$76,850 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$75,260 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$74,200 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$74,200 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$74,200 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$74,200 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$74,200 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$73,670 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$73,140 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$72,610 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$71,020 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$69,960 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$68,900 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$68,900 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$68,900 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$67,100 Auctions America by RM, Auburn, IN
$66,780 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$66,780 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$66,780 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$65,720 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$65,720 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
$65,520 Bonhams & Butterfields, Portland, OR
$64,660 Mecum, St. Charles, IL
Lot #
Date
S36 5/17/2011
S196 5/17/2011
F76 6/24/2011
S70 6/24/2011
F279 5/17/2011
S186 5/17/2011
S84 6/24/2011
S40 6/24/2011
S204 5/17/2011
S26 6/24/2011
T67 5/17/2011
S219.1 5/17/2011
27
4/30/2011
S21 6/24/2011
S37 6/24/2011
S120 6/24/2011
390 6/24/2011
S16 6/24/2011
366 6/24/2011
S44 5/17/2011
S46 5/17/2011
S64 6/24/2011
S82 6/24/2011
T240.1 5/17/2011
S19 6/24/2011
S34 6/24/2011
339 6/24/2011
S42 6/24/2011
F286 5/17/2011
F116 5/17/2011
T268 5/17/2011
S157 5/17/2011
S166 5/17/2011
S18 6/24/2011
S23 6/24/2011
S24 6/24/2011
S81 6/24/2011
S25 6/24/2011
S29 6/24/2011
S36 6/24/2011
S39 6/24/2011
S187 5/17/2011
S97 6/24/2011
S41 6/24/2011
S20 6/24/2011
W229.1 5/17/2011
S58 6/24/2011
S83 6/24/2011
S30 6/24/2011
404 5/12/2011
T208 5/17/2011
F266 5/17/2011
S116 6/24/2011
F247 5/17/2011
S105 6/24/2011
144 6/11/2011
S98 6/24/2011
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 87
Page 86
Price
Guide
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
C1 (1953–62)
235/150 Roadster
235/150 Roadster
235/155 Roadster
265/195
265/210 Convertible
265/225
283/220 Convertible
283/245
283/250 FI
283/270
283/283 FI
283/230 Convertible
283/245
283/250 FI
283/270
283/290 FI
283/230 Convertible
283/245
283/250 FI
283/270
283/290 FI
283/230 Convertible
283/245
283/250 FI
283/270
283/290 FI
283/230 Convertible
283/245
283/270
283/275 FI
283/315 FI
327/250 Convertible
327/300
327/340
327/360 FI
327/250 Split-Window Coupe
327/300 L75
327/340 L76
327/360 FI L84
327/360 Z06
327/250 Convertible
327/300 L75
327/340 L76
327/360 FI L84
Grand Sport
327/250 Coupe
327/300 L75
53
54
55
55
56
56
57
57
57
57
57
58
58
58
58
58
59
59
59
59
59
60
60
60
60
60
61
61
61
61
61
62
62
62
62
(1956–62, add $2k–$4k for auxiliary hard top.)
C2 (1963–67)
63 10,594
63
63
63
63
63 10,919
63
63
63
63
64
64
5
8,304
$40,000
$43,000
$50,400
$73,400
$127,000
$35,000
$36,000
$39,000
$65,000
$71,200 A
$82,000 A
$83,000 A
$136,400 A
$191,000 A
$63,000 B
$66,000 B
$72,000 B
$135,400 A
$6,000,000 $10,000,000 A
$32,700
$33,400
$52,400 B
$57,700 B
88 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
300
3,640
7
693
387
3,080
1,633
2,045
284
1,621
756
4,243
2,436
504
978
1,007
5,487
1,417
175
1,846
745
5,827
1,211
100
2,364
759
5,357
1,175
2,827
118
1,462
4,907
3,294
4,412
1,918
$125,000
$65,000
$62,000
$65,000
$45,000
$50,000
$44,300
$49,200
$59,000
$49,200
$70,200
$39,400
$44,300
$52,800
$48,100
$68,200
$38,400
$43,300
$53,500
$47,200
$66,900
$39,400
$47,600
$52,800
$48,200
$67,900
$40,400
$45,300
$49,200
$55,800
$66,900
$44,300
$48,600
$51,200
$75,100
High
327/365 L76
$225,000 A
$108,000 B
$125,000 B
$122,000 A
$85,000 B
$86,700 B
$88,500 B
$93,500 B
$113,100 A
$92,800 B
$119,900 A
$76,700 B
$99,900 B
$105,300 B
$85,600 B
$125,000 B
$70,800 B
$81,700 B
$100,400 B
$95,600 B
$124,000 B
$82,700 B
$84,600 B
$100,000 B
$91,900 B
$125,000 B
$66,800 B
$85,300 B
$86,600 B
$100,400 B
$131,300 B
$78,700 B
$86,600 B
$91,500 B
$141,700 B
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
327/375 FI L84
327/250 Convertible
327/300 L75
327/365 L76
327/375 FI L84
327/250 Coupe
327/300 L75
327/350 L79
327/365 L76
327/375 FI L84
396/425 L78
327/250 Convertible
327/300 L75
327/350 L79
327/365 L76
327/375 FI L84
396/425 L78
327/300 Coupe
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/425 L72
327/300 Convertible
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/425 L72
327/300 Coupe
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
327/300 Convertible
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
C3 (1968–82)
327/300 Coupe
327/350 L79
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
427/435 L89
327/300 Convertible
327/350 L79
64
64
64 13,925
64
64
64
65
65
65
65
65
65
8,186
65 15,378
65
65
65
65
65
66
66
66
66
9,958
66 17,762
66
66
66
67
67
67
67
67
67
8,504
67 14,436
67
67
67
67
67
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
$36,900
$55,700
$35,000
$37,000
$39,000
$56,700
$38,400
$38,400
$41,000
$43,000
$63,700
$65,700
$39,000
$39,000
$42,000
$43,000
$64,700
$71,400
$38,000
$43,000
$56,000
$68,700
$40,000
$45,000
$58,000
$70,000
$45,000
$48,000
$62,000
$72,000
High
$61,000 B
$96,400 A
$58,000 B
$62,700 B
$62,700 B
$98,400 A
$69,700 B
$63,400 B
$75,000 B
$78,000 B
$115,400 A
$127,000 A
$70,400 A
$75,000 B
$80,000 B
$85,000 B
$123,000 A
$127,000 B
$72,400 B
$76,400 B
$94,700 B
$127,000 B
$80,000 A
$83,000 B
$115,000 B
$127,000 A
$79,400 B
$85,000 B
$109,000 B
$130,000 B
$1,200,000 $2,000,000 A
$96,400
$46,700
$50,000
$65,000
$75,000
$177,700 A
$92,700 B
$100,000 B
$131,000 B
$143,700 A
$1,216,700 $2,033,400 A
$95,000
$187,400 A
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
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HHH
(For 1963–67, add $2k–$3k for side exhaust; $2k–$4k for auxiliary hard top; $4k–$6k for a/c; $5k–$8k for
knockoff wheels; $6k–$10k for aluminum wheels.)
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
9,936
68 18,630
68
$18,000
$20,000
$25,000
$28,000
$275,000
$40,000
$54,000
$24,000
$26,000
$35,400
$41,000
$50,000
$58,000
C
C
C
C
$371,700 A
$72,000 B
$95,000 B
$46,400
$52,000
C
C
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
*Predicted appreciation over twelve months, where five-star cars will out-perform market at large, three-star cars are fully priced, and one-star cars are still depreciating
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Page 87
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
427/435 L89
350/300 Coupe
350/350 L46
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
427/435 L89
427/430 ZL1
350/300 Convertible
350/350 L46
427/390 L36
427/400 L68
427/430 L88
427/435 L71
427/435 L89
68
68
68
68
68
69 22,129
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
69 16,633
69
69
69
69
69
69
$36,000
$35,000
$325,000
$46,800
$59,700
$18,000
$21,000
$25,000
$29,000
$283,400
$40,400
$50,000
High
$61,000
$69,000
C
C
$450,000 A
$84,400 B
$110,700 B
$38,400
$43,000
$52,000
$64,700
C
C
C
C
$416,700 A
$79,400 B
$93,000 B
$2,000,000 $3,000,000 A
$22,700
$24,000
$30,000
$34,000
$291,700
$51,700
$69,000
$48,000
$55,000
$63,000
$70,000
C
C
C
C
$375,000 A
$110,000 B
$118,400 B
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHHH
HHH
HHH
350/300 Coupe
350/350 L46
350/370 LT1
454/390 LS5
350/300 Convertible
350/350 L46
350/370 LT1
454/390 LS5
350/270 Coupe
350/330 LT1
454/365 LS5
454/425 LS6
350/270 Convertible
350/330 LT1
454/365 LS5
454/425 LS6
350/200 Coupe
350/255 LT1
454/270 LS5
300/250 Convertible
70 10,668
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
6,648
71 14,680
71
71
71
71
71
71
71
7,121
72 20,496
72
72
72
6,508
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
$18,500
$22,000
$28,000
$27,000
$24,000
$25,000
$33,000
$33,000
$18,000
$25,000
$25,000
$71,000
$25,000
$31,000
$33,000
$90,000
$18,500
$26,500
$27,500
$25,000
High
$39,000
$40,000
$56,000
C
C
C
$58,000 B
$50,000
$55,000
$68,000
C
C
C
$70,000 B
$36,900
$53,000
C
C
$55,000 B
$160,000 A
$48,000
$65,000
C
C
$67,000 B
$191,700 A
$40,000
$55,000
$56,000
$51,000
C
C
C
C
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
*Predicted appreciation over twelve months, where five-star cars will out-perform market at large, three-star cars are fully priced, and one-star cars are still depreciating
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 89
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Page 88
Price
Guide
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
350/255 LT1
454/270 LS5
72
72
350/190 Convertible
350/250 L82
454/275 LS4
350/195 Coupe
350/250 L82
454/270 LS4
350/195 Convertible
350/250 L82
454/270 LS4
350/165 Coupe
350/205 L82
350/165 Convertible
350/205 L82
350/180 Coupe
350/210 L82
350/180 Coupe
350/210 L82
350/185 Coupe
350/220 L82
350/185 Silver Anniversary
350/220 L82
350/185 Pace Car
350/220 L82
350/195 Coupe
350/225 L82
350/190 Coupe
350/230 L82
305/180 (California only)
350/190 Coupe
350/200 Coupe
350/200 Collector Edition
73 25,521
73
73
73
73
73
4,943
74 32,028
74
74
74
74
74
5,474
75 33,836
75
75
75
4,629
76 46,558
76
77 49,213
77
78 24,991
78
78 15,283
78
78
78
6,502
79 53,807
79
80 40,614
80
80
81 40,606
82 18,648
82
6,759
Convertible
Malcolm Konner Comm. Coupe
Coupe
Convertible
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
Coupe
Convertible
35th Anniversary coupe
84 51,547
85 39,729
86 27,794
86
86
7,315
50
87 20,007
87 10,625
87
188
inc.
88 15,382
88
7,407
88
90 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
2,050
inc.
$35,000
$33,000
(1968–72, add $1k–$2k for auxiliary hard top; $2k–$3k for a/c.)
350/190 Coupe
350/250 L82
454/275 LS4
$13,000
$15,000
$17,000
$20,000
$22,000
$24,000
$11,000
$14,000
$15,000
$19,000
$21,000
$22,000
$10,000
$12,500
$18,000
$20,000
$9,000
$11,000
$9,500
$12,000
$9,900
$12,800
$12,800
$15,800
$19,700
$19,700
$10,400
$13,300
$11,800
$13,800
$9,900
$11,800
$11,800
$16,800
$5,500
$6,000
$6,500
$9,500
High
$66,000
$67,000
$24,000
$28,000
$33,000
$33,000
$40,000
$42,000
$23,000
$28,000
$30,000
$32,000
$36,000
$40,000
$19,000
$23,000
$33,000
$37,000
$16,000
$20,000
$18,000
$22,000
$17,700
$22,700
$24,600
$29,500
$34,500
$39,400
$18,700
$23,600
$19,700
$23,600
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
$17,700 D
$20,700
$21,700
$29,500
C
C
C
$10,000
$7,500
$10,000
$20,000
$7,500
$10,000
$12,500
$8,500 D
$9,000 D
$10,500 D
$16,000 D
$20,000 D
$11,500 D
$16,000 D
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
HHH
(1973–82, add $750 for aluminum wheels, $1,250 for auxiliary hard top. 1978–82, add $650 for glass top.)
C4 (1984–96)
Coupe
Coupe
Coupe
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
$32,000 D
$11,000 D
$16,000 D
$21,400 D
HH
HH
HH
HH
Challenge Racer
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
Coupe
Convertible
Challenge Racer
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
World Challenge Racer
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Callaway Cpe/Cvt
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
40th Anniversary coupe
40th Anniversary convertible
40th Anniversary ZR-1 coupe
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Coupe
ZR-1 coupe
Convertible
Pace Car convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Collector Edition coupe
Collector Edition convertible
Grand Sport coupe
Grand Sport convertible
88
88
56 inc.
125
inc.
89 16,663
89
89
89
9,749
60 inc.
67 inc.
90 12,967
90
90
90
90
3,049
7,630
58 inc.
23 inc.
91 12,923
91
91
91
2,044
5,672
71 inc.
92 14,102
92
92
502
5,875
93 15,396
93
93
448
5,692
93
93
93
6,749
inc.
inc.
inc.
94 17,536
94
94
448
5,346
95 15,323
95
95
95
448
4,444
527
96 12,326
96
96
96
96
96
2,798
4,031
1,381
810
190
97
9,752
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
$25,900
$20,000
$7,500
$10,900
$25,500
$21,000
$8,000
$21,500
$9,700
$21,000
$24,000
$9,500
$19,900
$11,900
$21,500
$10,000
$20,700
$11,900
$10,000
$21,500
$12,900
$13,900
$18,200
$32,900
$11,000
$30,900
$14,900
$12,000
$31,100
$14,900
$24,700
$13,400
$15,900
$16,200
$18,000
$24,000
$28,900
Convertible
Pace Car convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Hard top
Coupe
Convertible
Hard top
Coupe
98 19,235
98 10,686
98
1,163
99 18,078
99 11,161
99
4,031
00 18,113
00 13,479
00
2,090
01 15,681
$15,500
$16,200
$20,000
$26,700
$17,700
$21,400
$17,000
$19,000
$22,500
$18,000
$21,900
High
$39,200 D
$31,000 D
$12,000 D
$16,700 D
$39,200 D
$32,000 D
$13,000 D
$30,000
C
$17,400 D
$32,000 D
$35,700 D
$13,000 D
$30,400
C
$18,200 D
$32,000 D
$14,000 D
$32,500
C
$18,400 D
$14,000 D
$34,700
C
$18,700 D
$21,700 D
$26,400
$42,300
C
C
$16,000 D
$42,400
C
$19,700 D
$16,500 D
$43,700
C
$19,000 D
$32,500 D
$17,700 D
$21,200 D
$24,500 D
$28,400 D
$39,000
$53,000
C
C
(1984–96, add $1,300 for auxiliary hard top, $600 for 6-sp, $3,000 for LT4 in 1996.)
C5 (1997–2004)
Coupe
Coupe
$20,200 D
$20,900 D
$26,700 D
$34,900 D
$22,400 D
$27,000 D
$21,500 D
$24,200 D
$27,000 D
$22,700 D
$25,900 D
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HHH
HHH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
HH
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Page 89
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
Convertible
Z06 hard top
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 hard top
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 hard top
50th Anniversary coupe
50th Anniversary convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 hard top
Commemorative coupe
Commemorative convertible
Z06 Commemorative hard top
C6 (2005–present)
Coupe
Convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 coupe
Coupe
01 14,173
01
5,773
02 14,760
02 12,710
02
03
03
03
03
03
8,297
8,727
6,475
8,635
4,085
7,547
04 13,950
04
04
04
04
04
9,557
3,658
2,215
2,659
2,025
05 26,278
05 10,644
06 16,598
06 11,151
06
6,272
07 21,484
$24,000
$24,000
$22,900
$26,500
$24,900
$24,500
$29,400
$26,500
$28,700
$31,000
$25,900
$30,700
$30,700
$26,700
$32,200
$30,000
$29,400
$35,900
$33,200
$38,700
$48,700
$34,400
High
$30,000 D
$30,500
C
$28,900 D
$33,000 D
$33,500
C
$30,000 D
$34,700 D
$33,700
C
$36,000 D
$40,200 D
$31,700 D
$37,000 D
$35,200
C
$33,500 D
$36,700 D
$37,400
C
$37,200 D
$40,900 D
$38,500 D
$44,200 D
$54,200
C
$39,900 D
HH
HH
HH
HH
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
Convertible
Pace Car convertible
Z06 coupe
Ron Fellows Z06 coupe
Coupe
Pace Car coupe
Convertible
Pace Car convertible
Z06 coupe
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 coupe
ZR1 coupe
Grand Sport coupe
Grand Sport convertible
Coupe
Convertible
Z06 coupe
ZR1 coupe
Grand Sport coupe
Grand Sport convertible
07 10,918
07
07
07
500
8,159
399
08 19,796
08
08
08
08
234
7,283
266
7,731
09-10 11,791
09-10 4,346
09-10 3,979
09-10 2,992
10
10
11
11
11
11
11
11
3,707
2,335
3,054
1,003
760
694
4,681
2,542
Buy-Sell Price Range
Low
$40,500
$41,000
$52,900
$61,200
$34,200
$36,200
$41,500
$42,500
$52,000
$41,000
$45,000
$55,000
$90,000
$42,000
$48,000
High
$47,500 D
$47,500 D
$56,700
$65,000
C
C
$41,400 D
$43,000 D
$46,000 D
$49,500 D
$62,000
C
$48,000 D
$52,000 D
$75,500
$105,000
$50,500
$62,300
C
C
C
C
$44,500 $49,045 (MSRP) D
$48,800 $54,045 (MSRP) D
$67,600 $74,375 (MSRP)
$99,900 $110,300 (MSRP)
$52,000 $55,045 (MSRP)
$56,500 $59,045 (MSRP)
C
C
C
C
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
(Note: Bloomington Gold, NCRS certification, or racing history can add significantly to the value of a Corvette.)
*Predicted appreciation over twelve months, where five-star cars will out-perform market at large, three-star cars are fully
priced, and one-star cars are still depreciating
www.corvettemarket.com SUMMER 2011 Corvette Market 91
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Yrs. Built
No. Made
Investment
Grade
Appreciation
Rating*
Page 90
Trick
Stuff
What you need for your Corvette and where to get it. By Tony Piff
Pump it Up, Ramp it Up, Jack it Up, Tune it Up
Play CDs—and iPods—without hacking up your Corvette's vintage look
Modern sound, classic look
If you'd like the ability to play CDs and MP3s in your C1, C2, or C3s without disturbing the vintage appearance,
Custom Autosound has the solution. Their
“USA-630” looks like a classic analog tuner,
with chunky plastic buttons and radio dials that
actually control a six-disc CD changer, USB
memory stick, or iPod (when used with the
optional iCAMKIT). The LCD displays detailed
song information, but switch it off, and it looks
just like an old-fashioned radio dial. $259.99
from www.ecklers.com.
Bolt-in C1 suspension upgrades everything
im Meyer Racing developed this bolt-in unit to
lace the primitive stock Chevy IFS used from 1949 to
1962. In addition to fully adjustable coil-over shocks
(for cornering like you've never experienced in a
C1), the unit includes GM spindles, GM ball-joints,
eleven-inch GM rotors and calipers, and a “Quickurn”
rack-and-pinion steering unit. As the original
pension is a bolt-in, too, the swap can be done at
e with hand tools. Just two small welds are needed to
pper tower supports to the frame. $3,195 from www.
jimmeyerracing.com.
Drive on up
The designers at Race Ramps (www.raceramps.com) have taken
that simplest of machines—the inclined plane—and tailored it to the
specific needs of low-clearance sports cars and their obsessive owners.
Made of high-density polystyrene foam, the lightweight, no-slip,
no-mar ramps are available in a variety of lengths, heights, and widths
for assured stability and clearance. The ramp section of the two-piece
Service Ramp ($229.99 a pair from www.mamotorworks.com) is easily
removed for under-car access, once the car is in the air. It's a nice
alternative to the traditional rickety jack stand. Weight limit: 3,000
pounds per set. Made in the U.S.A.
You don't know Jack—yet
Another revolutionary alternative to the ramshackle jack stand is this innovative
stand from JackPoint (www.jackpointjackstands.com). Using just one point of contact at
the factory-designated lifting location, you can lift the car with your floor jack, and then
lower it straight down onto the stand. A variety of pads are available for different jacking
point surfaces—along with rubber pads to protect against metal-to-metal contact. The
stand is twelve inches tall, and the weight limit is 4,000 pounds per pair. Custom powdercoating
available. Made in the U.S.A., $179–$349 from www.imgt3performance.com. ■
92 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Page 91
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Presents the 3rd Annual
Celebrate America's sports car as a part of
Concorso Italiano during the Monterey Historic Weekend.
One day only, Friday, August 19, 2011, Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, Monterey, CA
The only Corvette-only corral of the entire weekend. Fantastic setting. Great people. Amazing cars.
Enter your car into the Corvette-only corral, with a Corvette-only hospitality tent.
Space available for local and national clubs to display their materials.
“People's Choice”, “Farthest Driven” and “Most Original” Awards.
Special commemorative t-shirt to all entrants.
Enjoy all the activities at Concorso Italiano, including a celebration of 40 years of Panteras,
vendor booths, great food and more.
Regular $190, save $25 when you register though Corvette Market.
Go to www.corvettesatconcorso.com, click on “Register Here”, and enter promo code: CAC81911.
For more information about Concorso Italiano, go to www.concorso.com.
Page 92
In
Miniature
C4 included a special
edition Corvette Grand
Sport. That edition paid
homage to the lightweight
racers Corvette
mastermind
Arkus-Duntov started
building
in
Zora
1962.
Production of the 1996
cars was limited to 810
coupes and 190 convertibles.
This Corvette
was only available in
Admiral Blue metallic with a white racing stripe and two red hash marks, aka
“Sebring Stripes” on the front fender. Interior choices were simple: all black, or
red-and-black combo.
A friend of mine has one of the convertibles, and it is a very cool car indeed.
I'm more of a vintage car guy, but when this model arrived, I was pleasantly
surprised by the striking overall look. A bigger surprise was the amount of
detail that the Danbury Mint has packed into this 1:24 scale model. As usual,
this is a diecast model produced in China.
They have done an excellent job of capturing the shape, and the flawless,
high-gloss, hand-polished paint finish adds to the quality. All the details are
there, down to perfectly applied Corvette emblems on the body and wheel centers.
I'm glad that they chose to replicate the red-and-black interior instead of
the all-black interior, which dies on most small models.
Now, I'll get my only two gripes out of the way. The lack of sidewall let-
tering is a little bothersome, but I understand it, as Goodyear is known to be a
costly and difficult license for model companies. However, the tire tread pattern
is all there and perfectly replicated. My big gripe is that the rear ride height
isn't right. The car sits noticeably too high. This may be isolated to my model.
Incorrect ride heights are often one of the problems you run into when incorporating
a working suspension on mass-produced models.
The interior is impressive (for a modern car). The main gauge cluster in front
of the driver shows simulated LED readouts, and they have also attended to all
other dash switch gear with simulated labeling. The seats look very convincing,
with wrinkling of the seat cushions molded in. Floors and rear storage area have
in- scale black carpeting.
Speaking of that rear storage area, yet another point of Danbury's attention
to detail are the simulated gas struts that work in conjunction with the glass
hatch, which also has delicately printed, orange-colored fine lines that represent
the window heating element.
Let's move to the heart of the car, which is the 330 horsepower 5.7-liter V8.
Flip open the huge hood, and you will not be disappointed. Like most modern
cars, this is not a particularly exciting engine and engine compartment, but the
detail is comprehensive—some of it well-hidden—and nothing is amiss.
As with every model from Danbury, this one has full chassis detail. One
really neat touch that I did not expect to see was the folded metal heat shielding
around the front sections of the exhaust pipes. Very neat.
For those who need a lot of working features to get excited, there are plenty
on this model. They include the usual opening doors
and hood, rear glass hatch, gas cap door, flip-up
headlights, adjustable sun visors, working steering
and suspension—and a removable roof panel. And
the center armrest top also opens, revealing its hidden
storage compartment.
The amount of detail and accuracy that Danbury
1996 Corvette Details
Production Dates: Late 2004
Quantity: 5,000
CM Five-Star Rating:
Overall Quality:
Authenticity:
Overall Value:
Web: www.danburymint.com
puts into every one of their models can truly put most
larger-scale models to shame. Add to that the very
reasonable $129 price, and you have a must for any
serious Corvette model collector.
94 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
By Marshall Buck
1996 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe
The last year of the
Speaking
Volumes
By Mark Wigginton
Weekend Projects for your Modern Corvette:
C4–C5–C6; Weekend Projects for your
Classic Corvette: 1953–1982
By Tom Benford, Motorbooks, 224 pag- es each,
$19.79 each, Amazon.com
One of the joys of having a
great old car is working on it.
Pulling out the tools, setting
out to fix or modify this thing
you love, working through the
steps and the problems along
the way and completing the
job, I'm convinced, makes everything
brighter, cleaner and
taste better. That joy, however,
sometimes comes with frustration,
terror and challenges to your competence and ego.
Tom Benford is here to help. Benford is a regular contribu-
tor to Corvette Fever magazine and author of nearly a dozen
automotive books. With the Weekend Project series, Benford
strives to take the mystery out of tackling common jobs to fix
or modify your Corvette.
In each book he takes a visual, step-by-step approach
to simple, do-it-myself jobs—and to those projects I would
normally pay someone to save me from myself. Each job is
helpfully rated by difficulty, with a list of tools needed, cost
of parts and approximate time it will take to accomplish (no
allowances are included for a race being on the shop television
or your friend coming over to “help,” which includes
emptying the garage mini-fridge).
Large, clear photos of each step in the job are the way
Benford holds your hand, which turns out to be a nice way of
building confidence before you even start.
The big difference between the two books reflects the
age and complexity of the Corvettes they cover. While the
Modern book aims at add-ons and bling, with only a handful
of performance- or handling-oriented jobs, the Classic book
reflects projects and repairs the owner of a mid-century car is
likely to face—but on cars that are simpler to wrench. It's the
difference between adding underhood shiny bits and really
getting your hands dirty.
But whatever your comfort level, Benford helps you get
through the project, being the knowledgeable, non-judgmental
car guy friend that will come over and offer advice—without
leaving all those empties.
Provenance:
The projects Benford covers in the book are projects he
actually tackles, as the photos show work done on his stable
of Corvettes. The intros to each project give you a sense of
the obstacles you get to gauge against your own tool-and-task
comfort level.
Fit and finish:
Large photos of each step of the projects are well printed
in color, although sometimes I wish they were actually a little
more detailed. But, after all, this isn't an illustrated shop
manual—but a helpful guide.
Drivability:
Benford has created a useful and thoughtful selection of
tasks in each book, perfect for the true amateur mechanic
with the desire to tackle some easy-to-challenging projects. If
you sit in that uncomfortable netherworld between “I have a
guy who does all my work” and “I do all my own work,” then
Benford's books will be a helpful guide to your next project. ■
Page 94
Resource
Directory
Auction Companies
Auctions America by RM.
877.906.2437, 5540 CR llA Auburn,
IN 46706. Home of the
480-acre Auction Park in Auburn,
IN, where the annual Labor Day
Auction is held in conjunction with
the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg
Festival. www.auctionsamerica.
com. (IN)
Mecum Collector Car Auction-
eers. 815.568.8888, 815.568.6615.
950 Greenlee St., Marengo, IL
60015. Auctions: Orlando, Kansas
City, Rockford, Bloomington Gold,
St. Paul, Des Moines, Carlisle,
and Chicago. Nobody Sells More
Muscle Than Mecum. Nobody.
www.mecumauction.com. (IL)
Russo and Steele Collector
Automobiles. 602.252.2697,
602.252.6260. 5230 South 39th
Street, Phoenix AZ 85040. info@
russoandsteele.com; www.russoandsteele.com.
(AZ)
Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485,
2020 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA
99205. silver@silverauctions.com.
www.silverauctions.com. (WA)
The Worldwide Group.
866.273.6394, Established by
John Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The
Put your company in the CM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 x211,
or email advert@corvettemarket.com
Worldwide Group—Auctioneers,
Appraisers and Brokers—is one of
the world's premier auction houses,
specializing in the procurement and
sale of the world's finest automobiles
and vintage watercraft. www.
WWGauctions.com. (IN)
Corvette Parts &
Restoration
County Corvette 610.696.7888,
Sales, service, parts and restoration.
When it must be right.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
Mid America Motorworks
800.500.1500, America's leader in
1953-2008 Corvette parts and accessories.
Request a free catalog at
www.mamotorworks.com. (IL)
AutoBahn Power. Performance
+ Looks + Durability + Comfort =
Autobahn Power! Autobahn Power
is a veteran of vehicle modifications,
parts and accessories. Our
specialty has been to carry products
that are better than original equipment
in performance, safety and
quality. Our warehouse, service
shop and retail store are located in
the Midwest for good access to all
parts of the USA. We have completed
literally hundreds of project
cars. These performance vehicles
are in enthusiast's hands across the
USA. Many of the cars are in daily
use proving the durability of our
workmanship and products. Check
us out at www.autobahnpower.
com.
Classic Car Transport
Intercity Lines, Inc.
800.221.3936, 413.436.9422. Rapid,
hassle-free, coast-to-coast service.
Insured enclosed transport for your
valuable car at affordable prices.
State-of-the-art satellite transport
tracking. Complete service for vintage
races, auctions, relocations.
www.intercitylines.com. (MA)
Insurance
Hagerty Collector Car Insur-
ance. 800.922.4050. Collector cars
aren't like their late-model counterparts.
These classics actually appreciate
in value so standard market
policies that cost significantly
more won't do the job. We'll agree
on a fair value and cover you for the
full amount. No prorated claims, no
hassles, no games. www.hagerty.
com. (MI)
Corvettes for Sale
Corvette Central Parts and ac-
cessories for all Corvettes. Corvette
Central has been a leading manu-
Ad Index
Auto Etc Neon...................................91
Barrett-Jackson .................................13
Baymont Inn & Suites.......................95
Bloomington Gold ......................39, 41
Branson Collector Car Auction.........77
Bruce Shaw.......................................96
Brute Industries, Inc..........................71
Callaway ...........................................85
Carlisle Events ..................................73
Chubb Personal Insurance...................7
Classic Restoration............................99
Coker Tire .......................................100
Corvette America ..............................61
Corvette Expo Inc .............................67
Corvette Mike ...................................75
Corvette Repair Inc...........................49
Corvette Specialties ..........................97
Corvettes at Concorso.......................93
County Corvette..................................2
Dave Gill Chevrolet..........................85
Grundy Worldwide............................43
Harchelroad Motors Inc....................85
Heacock Classic ...............................23
JC Taylor...........................................63
96 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
Jim Meyer Racing Products Inc........97
Lee Johnson Chevrolet......................85
Long Island Corvette Supply Inc......97
Mac Neil Automotive Products Ltd..91
Matick Chevrolet ..............................85
MCACN, LLC..................................53
Mecum Auction...................................3
Mid America Motorworks...........45, 51
Midwest Corvettes & Classics, LLC 65
National Corvette Museum...............97
National Corvette Restorers Society...9
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions....69
Pro-Team Corvette Sales, Inc............79
Reliable Carriers ...............................37
Silver Collector Car Auctions ...........15
Speed Ventures..................................84
Sports Car Market.............................97
St. Raphael the Archangel.................83
Superior Chevrolet......................59, 85
SWISSVAX USA, LLC....................55
The Canvas Shoppe, Inc. ..................81
The Chevy Store Inc .........................89
Thomas C Sunday Inc.......................61
Zip Products......................................11
facturer and distributor of Corvette
parts and accessories since 1975.
We offer the most comprehensive
and detailed parts catalogs on the
market today and produce a different
catalog for each Corvette generation.
All catalogs are also online
with full search and order features.
From Blue Flame 6 to the new C6,
only Corvette Central has it all.
www.corvettecentral.com. (MI)
County Corvette.
610.696.7888, The most modern
and best equipped Corvette-only
facility in the nation.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
The Chevy Store At The Chevy
Store, you will find only the highest
grade, investment quality Corvette
and specialty Chevrolet automobiles.
We take pride in providing
our clients with the finest selection
anywhere. Offering investment
quality corvettes and Chevrolets
for over 30 years! 503.256.5384 (p)
503.256.4767 (f) www.thechevystore.com.
(OR)
Museums
National Corvette Museum
800-53-VETTE, The National Corvette
Museum in Bowling Green,
KY was established as a 501(c)3
not-for-profit foundation with a mission
of celebrating the invention of
the Corvette and preserving its past,
present and future. www.corvette-
museum.com. (KY) ■
Page 95
Sports Car Market
Keith Martin's
The Insider's Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
“Sports Car Market magazine is the
Cigar Aficionado for collectible cars.”
— Robert Lutz, former President of GM North America, SCM subscriber since 1995
Special Introductory Offer $48
· One year of Sports Car Market magazine
www.sportscarmarket.com/offer48
877-219-2605 Ext. 1
· Free Collector Car Price Guide
· Knowledge the Experts Use
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Value
126
Page 96
Vette-o-bilia
Online trash and trinkets—some valuable, some not. By Carl Bomstead
Corvette Models, Zippo Lighter and a Casino Chip
The Flamingo Hotel's 1996 American Classic Car series chip was not a
winning bet as a valuable collectible, but it looks good
C
oolest piece of Corvette swag that we found that failed to sell on eBay: a Corvette C5R racing team
shirt signed by both Dale Earnhardt Jr.—and Sr. The shirt was signed at a dinner at the Daytona 500
Speedway on February 2, 2001. Dale Sr. won the race, and he is the only driver to win both the 24 Hours
of Le Mans and a NASCAR race. Tragically, he was killed just 16 days later at the same track.
Why did this historically significant shirt fail to sell? Well, for one it was expensive, with a Buy It Now
price of $2,999. More importantly, most NASCAR guys, while they love the Earnhardts, don't give a darn
about Corvettes. On the other hand most Corvette guys don't care all that much for NASCAR.
Here are a few things that Corvette guys and gals did care about and bid accordingly:
ranging from what was paid here
to as much as $160, so it pays to
look around before joining in the
bidding.
EBAY #290568385359—
AUTOART 2000 CORVETTE
C5 R. Number of Bids: 16.
SOLD AT: $77. Date: 5/28/2011.
This was a 1:18 scale model of
the Corvette that was introduced
at the opening race of the 2000
ALMS series at Daytona. It was
in Millennium Yellow livery
with a jacked-up 7.0-liter LS1
engine. It was complete with all
the original packaging and records
and was stated to be Mintin-the-Box.
It had been retired
some years back, and considering
the condition, was well
bought.
SOLD AT: $177.50. Date:
5/21/2011. This chrome Zippo
lighter was laser-engraved and
had 24 karat gold inlaid medallions
that commemorated the
50th anniversary of the Corvette.
It was complete with a black
maple presentation box and certificate
of authenticity. It was
number 3,329 of 5,000 produced
and still had the safety sticker on
the back, so the lighter had never
been opened. Unusual display
piece at a reasonable price.
EBAY #220785075793—
EBAY #19054133862—
SNAP-ON FIVE-PIECE 50TH
ANNIVERSARY
COMMEMORATIVE
SCREWDRIVER SET.
Number of Bids: 9. SOLD AT:
$76. Date: 6/10/2011. These were
obviously issued in 2003 to commemorate
the 50th anniversary
of the Corvette. Any number of
manufacturers paid their licensing
fees to GM and jumped on
the bandwagon with 50th anniversary
products, and some are
worth a bit today. We found a
number of these sets with prices
1963 CORVETTE
MOTORIZED REVELL
MODEL RACE CAR. Number
of Bids: 9. SOLD AT: $128.50.
Date: 5/29/2011. The parts for the
motorized Split-Window coupe
were still sealed, although the
way-cool box did have a bit of
wear, with tape on two corners.
The Corvette body was in white
and awaiting some dramatic
graphics and the installation of
the SP 500 engine. The box alone
was worth the price paid—with
the model thrown in for free.
EBAY # 130528270041—
DANBURY MINT 1955
CORVETTE DRY LAKES
RACER. Number of Bids: 27.
SOLD AT: $247.50. Date:
6/9/2011. The 1:24 scale Corvette
race car was first issued in
December 2004, and it was complete
with title, records and packaging.
It was number 2,677 of
who knows how many produced.
It was finished in Bonneville
Blue and appeared to be in excellent
condition. These models
normally do not have much traction
in the secondary market, but
this one was an exception.
EBAY #230629298673—
EBAY #130521693604—
50TH ANNIVERSARY
CORVETTE ZIPPO
LIGHTER. Number of Bids: 8.
98 Corvette Market SUMMER 2011 www.corvettemarket.com
1954 CORVETTE $5 CHIP
FROM FLAMINGO HOTEL
IN RENO. Number of Bids: 1.
SOLD AT: $8. Date: 6/6/2011.
This chip was from the 1996
American Classic Car series issued
by the Flamingo Hotel that
included twelve different chips.
Only 1,500 sets were issued and
with the limited return on investment
after 15 years, you would
have been better off to have
taken your chances and placed it
on your favorite number at the
roulette table. Cool piece, however,
to have in your Corvette
display case.
EBAY #280674654875—
CORVETTE ROCK-OLA
JUKEBOX. Number of Bids:
7. SOLD AT: $5,100. Date:
5/19/2011. This was a new jukebox
with all the state-of-the-art
SyberSonic electronic goodies,
including dual amps, surround
sound and inter-red volume control.
The limited-edition piece
was decorated with Corvette
logos, including the crossed
flags, V and the Chevy Bowtie.
This sold for a bunch, but if you
wanted one with Harley or Jack
Daniel's motifs, it would cost you
another two grand. Someone has
a misplaced sense of value! ■